







































 
 

Agriculture and Food Sciences Research 
Vol. 4, No. 1, 8-19, 2017 

ISSN(E) 2411-6653/ISSN(P) 2518-0193 
DOI: 10.20448/journal.512.2017.41.8.19 

 
 
 

 

 

 
8 

 

Growth Performance and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Coefficients of Weaned 
Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Different Forms of Cocoa Pod Husk Meal 

 
P. O. Ozung1

 
O. O. Kennedy Oko2 
E. A. Agiang3 
P. O. Eburu4 
E. I. Evans5 
C. E. Ewa6 

 
( Corresponding Author) 

 
1,2,3,4Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria 
5Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Uyo, Nigeria 
6Department of Animal Breeding & Physiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, 
Nigeria 

 

 
Abstract 

The growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility co – efficients of weaned rabbits fed 
corn – soybean meal basal diets containing different forms of cocoa pod husk meal were 
determined. A total of 60 mixed breed rabbits of both sexes (30 bucks and 30 does) with average 
initial weight of 606.42±1.30g were used in a nine week feeding trial using a completely 
randomized design. Twelve is nitrogenous and is caloric diets were formulated containing 
sundried (T1 T2, T3 & T4), fermented (T5 T6, T7 & T8), and hot - water treated (T9 T10, T11 
& T12) cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) each at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5% levels of inclusion, 
respectively. Diet with 0% CPHM served as the control in the different forms of the cocoa pod 
husk meal based diets. Growth performance parameters (feed intake, weight gain and feed 
conversion ratio) were determined, while apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients were 
determined at the 9th week using the direct in vivo method. The digestibility co - efficients were 
calculated using appropriate formula. Results of the study revealed that the final weight, total 
weight gain and average daily feed intake recorded significant (P<0.05) differences between 
dietary treatments. When compared with values in the control, diets with the highest inclusion 
level (37.5%) CPHM had the least total weight gain with the sundried, fermented and hot – water 
treated groups having 557.50, 570.83 and 390.00 g/rabbit respectively. The average daily feed 
intake declined with increasing levels of sundried CPHM (i.e. 66.94, 62.56, 59.27 and 52.98 
g/rabbit/day, respectively). The hot – water treated CPHM diets recorded the worst FCR beyond 
12.5% level when compared with other forms of CPHM. Some of the apparent nutrient 
digestibility coefficients for ash and NFE recorded significant (P<0.05) differences between 
dietary treatments, while crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract digestibility coefficients 
were statistically similar across dietary treatments in all the three forms of CPHM. The sundried 
CPHM had the least digestible crude protein (75.07%) at the highest inclusion level (37.5%). The 
study concludes that the three different forms of cocoa pod husk meal in the following order of 
superiority (fermented, hot – water treated and sundried) can be included in diets meant for 
rabbits at levels not exceeding 25% for optimum growth performance and apparent nutrient 
digestibility co - efficients. 

 
Keywords: Growth, Digestibility, Rabbits, Cocoa  

 
Citation | P. O. Ozung; O. O. Kennedy Oko; E. A. Agiang; P. O. 
Eburu; E. I. Evans; C. E. Ewa (2017). Growth Performance and 
Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Co - Efficients of Weaned Rabbits 
Fed Diets Containing Different Forms of Cocoa Pod Husk Meal. 
Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 4(1): 8-19. 
History:  
Received: 19 April 2017 
Revised: 8 June 2017 
Accepted: 14 June 2017 
Published: 20 June 2017 
Licensed: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons 

Attribution 3.0 License  
Publisher: Asian Online Journal Publishing Group 

Contribution/Acknowledgement: All authors contributed to the conception 
and design of the study. 
Funding: This study received no specific financial support. 
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of 
interests. 
Transparency: The authors confirm that the manuscript is an honest, 
accurate, and transparent account of the study was reported; that no vital 
features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the 
study as planned have been explained. 
Ethical: This study follows all ethical practices during writing.   

 

 

 

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Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2017, 4(1): 8-19 

 
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Contents 
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 
2. Materials and Methods ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9 
3. Results ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 
4. Discussion .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 
5. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 
6. Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14 
References .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 

 

1. Introduction 
Extant records show that livestock husbandry occupies about 30 percent of the total arable land in the world 

[1]. But with the rapid exhaustion of limited animal products, increasing population and better life styles, it is now 
imperative to explore other aspects of livestock production to bridge the gap of protein intake from animal origin. 
According to FAO [2] from year 2000 to 2020, the projected world requirement for animal protein would increase 
tremendously due to population explosion. Traditionally, ruminants and monogastrics (poultry and pigs) are the 
main sources of domestic meat. However, rabbits and other micro livestock species (grasscutters, snails and quails) 
are emerging in many developing countries like Nigeria as potential sources of animal protein. The inadequacy of 
animal protein coupled with stiff competition between man and animals for agricultural produce call for enhancing 
the diversification and productivity of livestock and this has culminated in resurgence of interest in rabbit 
production [3]. The renewed interest in rabbit production by researchers and farmers in Nigeria has necessitated 
research into alternative feed resources that are readily available, under - utilized agro by - products or agro - 
industrial wastes to substitute or supplement the highly demanded conventional cereals [4]. 

A major aspect of livestock production that constitutes huge cost and demands urgent attention is the 
utilization of quality animal feeds. The quest for non - conventional feed resources is imperative, due to the 
competitive pressure on grains and conventional seed meals which have outweighed production [5]. The 
immediate challenge therefore is for Animal Scientists/ researchers and feed mill operators to promote the 
utilization of cheap and affordable alternative feed resources that are rich in nutrients and are well adapted to 
tropical climatic conditions [2]. Literature reports abound on the use of agro - industrial by – products and farm 
waste materials in livestock nutrition. They include wheat and rice offals as well as maize bran and brewers dried 
grains (BDG) or yeast. According to Atteh and Opawande [6] BDG can replace groundnut cake in diets meant for 
finishing - broilers. Rice milling wastes have been utilized in diets meant for cockerel finishers [7] while Afolayan 
[8] utilized corn bran meal at different levels in broiler chicken diets. However, the prices of most of these by – 
products have escalated as a result of high demand; thereby necessitating the quest for cheaper alternatives. There 
is the need to include alternative feedstuffs common in the tropics in rabbit diets, for the purposes of promoting 
optimum performance characteristics and reduction in cost of production and to make rabbit farming profit 
oriented to the teaming unemployed youth and rural poor farmers in Nigeria [9]. 

The domestic rabbit is a pseudo - ruminant (monogastric – herbivore or hind gut fermentor) that feeds on 
forages, grains/ concentrates and hay [10]. Most diets for rabbits consist of ingredients from plant sources [11-
13] composite mixture of table scraps [14] and agro by - products [15-17].  One of the promising agro by - 
products that can be utilized in rabbit diet formulations is the cocoa pod husk. According to Olubamiwa and 
Akinwale [18] cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) can partially replace maize in layers diet at 25 percent level with no 
adverse effects on egg parameters. Untreated CPHM has been added in the diets of growing swine up to 300 g/Kg 
without deleterious signs on body characteristics [19]. The practice of incorporating cocoa pod husk meal in 
various animal diets has been reported [13, 20-25]. Accordingly, Smith, et al. [26] reported that sun- dried cocoa 
beans contain 0.70 percent sugar, 0.70 percent starch, 1.70 percent theobromine (an alkaloid), 6.70 percent protein 
and 50 – 55 percent pale yellow, non - drying fat known as cocoa butter. The cocoa bean testa has been used 
successfully in feeding trials for small ruminants without adverse effects on performance characteristics [27].  
Cocoa pod husks constitute 75 percent of the entire cocoa fruit on fresh weight basis Fagbenro [28]. Adomako 
[29] reported that cocoa beans account for less than 2.55 percent of the whole fruit. According to Donkor, et al. 
[22] cocoa pod husks contain 6 - 7 percent crude protein, 9 - 10 percent total ash, 1 – 8 percent crude fat (ether 
extract) and 23 – 33 percent crude fibre. Also findings by Ozung, et al. [13] showed that cocoa pod husk meal has 
between 7.70 and 9.37 percent crude protein, ether extract (8.83 – 11.68%) and ash (9.30 – 10.85%). Sobamiwa and 
Longe [30] reported that metabolizable energy of cocoa pod husk is moderate and ranges from 2000 – 2100 
Kcal/Kg; which is comparable to that of palm kernel cake, soybean meal, rice bran and brewers dried grain [31]. 
The processed cocoa pod husks have been reported to have low theobromine content. The crude fibre is easily 
digestible [32]. It is reported that cocoa pod husk is digestible by all classes of livestock, especially ruminants. 
However, the high crude fibre content (21.49 – 34.82 percent) hinders its effective utilization by monogastrics 
[33]. This constraint calls for the processing of the cocoa pod husks by various methods (fermentation, hot – water 
treatment, urea, enzyme, fungal treatment and microbial detheobromination), so as to promote digestibility and 
biodegradability in animals. Other researchers have carried out nutritional and growth performance studies with 
cocoa pod husk meal on poultry and small ruminants, but there is paucity of research findings on the effect of 
sundried, fermented and hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal on the growth performance and apparent 
nutrient digestibility co - efficients of rabbits, hence the objectives of this study. 

 
2. Materials and Methods 
2.1. Location of the Study 

The study was carried out at the Rabbitry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal 
Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. According to the GeoNames geographical 
database, Calabar is located at 4.95170 latitude and 8.3220 longitude (in decimal degrees) with an average 
elevation/ altitude of 42 metres [34]. While, Akpan, et al. [35] reported that Calabar is located at latitude 30N and 
longitude 70E, with a land mass of 233.2 sq. miles (604 km2). The annual rainfall ranges from 3000 – 3500 mm 



Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2017, 4(1): 8-19 

 
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(average of 1,830mm) per annum and the average daily temperature is 250C/770F which increases to 300C (860F) in 
August. The relative humidity is between 70 – 80 percent. 
 

2.2. Collection, Processing and Proximate Analysis of Cocoa Pod Husk meal (CPHM) 
Freshly broken composite cocoa pod husks (derived from improved/hybrid cocoa varieties - CRINc1 – 8, 

WACRI 11 Hybrids and F3 - Amazon)  were obtained from the fermentation units of the Cocoa Research Institute 
of Nigeria (CRIN) sub - station at Ajassor, Ikom LGA of Cross River State. The broken pods were washed and sun 
- dried for two weeks, bulked and milled with hammer mill to produce Cocoa Pod Husk Meal (CPHM) [36]. The 
resultant meal was shared into three (3) portions: The sundried CPHM (SCPHM), Fermented CPHM (FCPHM) 
and Hot water - treated CPHM (HCPHM), respectively. CPHM for the fermented treatment was thoroughly 
mixed with 60 percent water, relative to its weight as ascertained by Bello, et al. [37] and bagged using an air 
tight polythene bag. This was allowed to stay for three (3) days under room temperature, thereafter, it was opened 
and shade dried for five (5) days; before being packed, bagged and stored in a cool dry place until it was used.  The 
final portion of CPHM was treated with hot water that was boiled to 1000C for 15 minutes [38-40] which was 
later drained, shade dried and stored for later use.  
 

2.3. Experimental Diets 
Twelve (12) experimental isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets for the growth phase were formulated in line with 

the nutrient needs of rabbits as recommended by Aduku and Olukosi [10]. Each processed form of CPHM was 
included at 0, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent levels for T1, T2, T3, and T4 (Sundried CPHM), T5, T6, T7, T8 
(Fermented CPHM) and T9, T10, T11, T12 (Hot – water treated CPHM), respectively in the experimental diets. Diet 
without CPHM (0 percent) served as control in the experiment. The choice of these levels was based on earlier 
reports on the use of much lower levels of CPHM for poultry, pigs and rabbits without adverse and significant 
effects on growth performance characteristics [36, 39, 40]. Feedstuff purchase/choice and procurement of cocoa 
pod husks as well as methods of processing CPHM and ration formulation gave primary consideration to least cost 
and maximum biological returns [41]. The proximate composition of the experimental diets was done based on the 
procedures outlined by A.O. A.C [42]. The gross composition of experimental diets is presented in Table 1. 
 

2.4. Experimental Rabbits and Management 
Sixty (60) weaned mixed breed rabbits (Chinchilla X New Zealand X Californian) between 5 and 6 weeks old of 

both sexes (30 bucks and 30 does), (average initial body weight of 606.42±1.30g) were used in this study. The 
rabbits were purchased from a reputable rabbitry (Domino farms, Use - Offot) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They 
were managed based on standard experimental procedures. On arrival at the rabbitry facility, the animals were 
provided with anti – stress vitalyte (Anidone – vita dox) at 0.50g per 75 litres of chlorine - free water. Concrete 
drinking troughs and fabricated feeding troughs (empty beverage cans nailed to the wooden board) were provided 
in each cage. The rabbits adjusted for two weeks before the actual commencement of the feeding trial and within 
this period; they were placed on commercial pelleted grower mash and given prophylactic treatment against 
bacterial and viral infections using a broad spectrum antibiotic – Oxytetracycline hydrochloride eq.50mg 
(soluble powder - 5 percent w/w) at recommended dosage of one teaspoonful per 4 litres of chlorine – free water.  
The animals were thereafter screened against ecto and endo parasites via subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin 
(Kepromec) at the recommended level (0.20 ml per rabbit). Thereafter, the animals were subjected to nine (9) weeks 
(63 days) initial feeding trial during which their pre - pubertal growth performance characteristics and apparent 
nutrient digestibility co –efficients were evaluated.  
 

2.5. Housing and Equipment 
The experimental animals were accommodated individually in double tier wooden hutches (with wire mesh 

floor) measuring 65 × 65 × 65 cm (L × H× W) and raised 25 cm from the ground and placed in a standard rabbitry 
with half walls to allow for cross ventilation.   
 

2.6. Experimental Design 
Animals were randomly distributed to the test diets using a simple Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 

with three processed forms of CPHM. They were twelve (12) dietary treatments with five (5) rabbits per treatment 
(each rabbit served as a replicate). The rabbits were assigned to the various treatments after equalizing for body 
weights. 
 

2.7. Feeding of Animals/ Feed Intake 
Respective rabbits were given weighed amount of feed weight daily in the morning hours (07:00 – 08:00 am) 

and adjusted weekly to make provision for the weekly weight change, while water was given without restriction. 
The left over feed samples were collected into marked envelopes and weighed daily with a precision electronic 
balance; model HK - DC-320AS with minimum and maximum sensitivities of 0.01 and 320g, respectively. The feed 
intake was computed by difference. Fresh Aspilia africana leaves (supplementary forage) were harvested daily, air – 
dried and fed to the rabbits in the evening period (17:00 – 18:00 hours) at a uniform amount of 30 g in all the 
treatments.  
 

2.8. Weighing of Animals 
At the beginning of the trial, the rabbits were weighed individually and thereafter on a weekly basis. Body 

weight changes were determined by difference. A top loader weighing scale was used in determining the weight 
changes of rabbits. 
 

2.9. Feed Conversion Ratio 
The feed conversion ratio was determined as the ratio of feed consumed (g) to weight gain (g). 



Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2017, 4(1): 8-19 

 
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2.10. Digestibility Trial 
Digestibility is an important measure of the nutritive value of feedstuffs. It is the difference in value between 

the feed eaten and materials voided by the animals expressed as percentage of feed eaten [43]. A direct method (in 
vivo) involving feeding experiment with rabbits was used in this study [44].  The digestibility trial was carried out 
at the ninth week and lasted for 15 days, using thirty six rabbits (i.e.3 rabbits) per treatment. No faeces were 
collected for the first 7 days, but faecal material and feed intake were recorded for the last 8 days. Faecal samples 
collected from each day were oven – dried at 600C, preserved in bags and stored in a refrigerator. At the end, all 
faecal samples collected from each replicate were pooled together for the determination of proximate composition 
using the A.O. A.C [42] methods. Percentage digestibility of diets was obtained as follows: 
     
    Percent Digestibility    =          Quantity in feed – Quantity in faeces 
                                                        ____________________                     × 100 
            
                                                                 Quantity in feed 

2.11. Statistical Analysis 
Data obtained in this study were subjected to one – way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using General Linear 

Model [45] for a completely randomized design (CRD) of GenStat Release 10.3DE (2011). Significant means were 
separated using Least Significance Difference (LSD) option [46] of the same statistical software. 
The model used was as follows: 
Yij = µ + Ti + Eij 
Where: 
Yij: Observed value 
µ: Overall (population) mean value 
Ti: Random effect of the ith processing method of CPHM 
Eij: Random residual error 
 

3. Results 
3.1. Proximate Composition (Determined Analysis) of Experimental Diets, Test Ingredient (Cocoa 
Pod Husk Meal) and Fibre Fractions 

Results of the proximate composition of the diets (Growth phase) are presented in Table 2. The proximate 
fractions (CP, CF, EE, Ash and NFE) recorded significant differences (P < 0.05) between dietary treatments. The 
control diet (0 percent CPHM) recorded the highest crude protein (CP) (18.30 percent) content while the least 
value was recorded in the raw cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) with 37.50 percent as 14.04 percent. The crude fibre 
content increases as the level of CPHM inclusion increased across the diets, highest values were recorded in the 
37.50 percent inclusion level with 23.53, 26.37 and 23.08 percent respectively for the raw, fermented and hot – 
water treated CPHM. While the proximate composition and fibre fractions of the raw, fermented and hot - water 
treated CPHM are summarised in Table 3. All parameters, except the total digestible nutrients (TDN) had 
significant differences (P < 0.05) between processing methods of CPHM. The CP values were 9.37, 7.70 and 8.94 
percent for the raw, fermented and hot – water treated CPHM, respectively. The raw CPHM recorded the highest 
CF content (61.80 percent), followed by the fermented CPHM (57.42 percent) and the least value was recorded in 
the hot – water treated CPHM (53.37 percent). The trend was however reversed for other fractions like ether 
extract (EE), ash and Nitrogen free extract (NFE) contents as the highest values were recorded in the hot – water 
treated CPHM, followed by the fermented CPHM and least in the raw CPHM. The EE values were 8.83, 9.52 and 
11.68 percent while the values for ash content were 9.30, 10.80 and 10.85 percent  and NFE values were 10.70, 
14.56 and 15.16 percent respectively, for raw, fermented and hot – water groups. The Acid detergent fibre (ADF) 
and Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) values were highest in the fermented CPHM (73.09 and 79.45 percent, 
respectively), followed by the raw CPHM (68.64 and 75.08 percent, respectively) and least in the hot – water 
treated CPHM (64.60 and 71.09 percent, respectively). 
 

3.2. Growth Performance Characteristics of Rabbits 
Results of the pre – pubertal growth performance attributes of weaned rabbits fed cocoa pod husk meal based 

diets are summarised in Table 4. The final weight, total weight gain and average daily feed intake (ADF) of rabbits 
recorded significant differences (P < 0.05) between dietary treatments. The total weight gain recorded highest 
values in the respective control diets for the raw (1048.00g/rabbit), fermented (907.50g/rabbit) and hot – water 
treated (710.00g/rabbit) CPHM. Dietary treatments with the highest inclusion level (37.50 percent) of CPHM 
recorded the least values of total weight gain, with the raw, fermented and hot – water treated forms of CPHM 
having 557.50, 570.83 and 390.00g/rabbit, respectively. Results further revealed that the fermented and raw 
CPHM recorded better total weight gain across dietary treatments compared to the hot – water treated CPHM 
(which recorded the least total weight gain) in this study. Average daily gain (ADG) values for the raw CPHM 
were 16.63, 10.95, 13.84 and 8.85g/rabbit/day in the control, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent inclusion levels, 
respectively. The fermented CPHM recorded ADG values of 14.40, 10.42, 13.85 and 9.06g/rabbit/day in 0, 12.50, 
25.00 and 37.50 percent levels, respectively. While the hot – water treated CPHM recorded ADG values of 11.27, 
10.13, 6.24 and 6.19g/rabbit/day, respectively for 0, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent inclusion levels. The average 
daily feed intake (ADF) of rabbits declined with increasing levels of raw CPHM in the dietary treatments. The 
values were 66.94, 62.56, 59.27 and 52.98 g/rabbit/day in the control, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent inclusion 
levels, respectively. The fermented and hot – water treated CPHM however recorded higher values of ADF 
compared to the raw CPHM. The hot – water treated CPHM recorded the highest and worst values of feed 
conversion ratio (FCR), compared with the two other forms of CPHM and the control diets.  
 
 
 



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3.3. Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Co - Efficients 
Results of nutrient digestibility co – efficients of rabbits fed diets containing cocoa pod husk meal are presented 

in Table 5.  Digestibility parameters like ash and NFE recorded significant effect (P < 0.05) of dietary treatments, 
while the values for dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract were statistically similar. In the raw 
CPHM, the highest inclusion level of 37.50 percent recorded the least digestibility value of 75.07 percent for crude 
protein (CP) compared to the control diet and other lower levels of inclusion. The trend was however reversed in 
the fermented and hot – water treated CPHM as the highest digestibilty values for CP were recorded in the 37.50 
percent inclusion level as 78.11 and 77.74 percent, respectively. The digestibility values for crude fibre (CF) were 
77.92, 78.44, 75.05 and 74.50 percent for 0, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent, respectively in the raw CPHM; while 
the fermented CPHM recorded digestible CF values of 76.79, 71.03, 61.14 and 76.68 percent for 0, 12.50, 25.00 and 
37.50 percent, respectively; the hot – water treated CPHM had 77.42, 85.97, 80.80 and 82.19 percent, respectively 
for 0, 12.50, 25.00 and 37.50 percent inclusion levels.  
 

4. Discussion 
4.1. Determined (Proximate) Composition of Experimental Diets, Cocoa Pod Husk Meal and 
Fibre Fractions 

The proximate composition values of experimental diets in this study (Table 2) are within the recommended 
ranges for growing rabbits. The crude protein content of diets (14.04 – 18.73 percent) falls within the 
recommended levels (16 – 18 percent) for both growing and breeding rabbits [47-51]. Rabbits have been observed 
to adapt effectively to low and poor protein diets unlike poultry, because of coprophagy [52]. However, crude 
protein levels of 12, 15, 16 and 17 percent have been reported as optimum for rabbits in terms of maintenance, 
gestation, growth and lactation, respectively [10, 53]. The crude protein content in this study proved satisfactory, 
as the rabbits recorded effective growth and reproductive efficiency. The crude fibre content (13.38 – 26.37 percent) 
of the experimental diets was higher than the recommended level (10 – 14 percent) for rabbits [54] but within the 
range (22.96 – 32.06 percent) reported by Ijaiya, et al. [15]. The high crude fibre levels were apparently due to the 
high crude fibre content of the test ingredient (cocoa pod husk meal) used in this study. According to Champ and 
Maurice [55] a crude fibre level in excess of 9 percent is needed for normal growth in rabbits and to reduce 
incidence of enteritis; while a high fibre level in excess of 20 percent may induce caecal impaction and limit energy 
intake [10]. However, rabbits fed higher levels of fibre in this study did not show any obvious adverse effect. 
Furthermore, Cheeke [56] reported that crude fibre levels of between 10 to 17 percent have been found to support 
weight gain; with the optimum gain of 41.30g/day/rabbit obtained at a fibre level of 14.80 percent. Accordingly, 
satisfactory performance has been recorded in weaner rabbits fed high fibre (22.96 – 32.06 percent) and high 
energy (3,523.54 – 3,897.46 Kcal/kg ME) diets [15]. The energy content of the experimental diets ranges from 
2,500.75 – 2,536.90 Kcal/kg ME. The energy content was within the recommended level (2,500 – 2,600 Kcal/kg 
ME) for growing and breeding rabbits [10, 48, 57]. 

The proximate composition and fibre fractions of the raw, fermented and hot – water treated cocoa pod husk 
meal (Table 3) recorded significant effect (P < 0.05). The dry matter content in the raw cocoa pod husk meal (94.60 
percent) was almost similar to the value (94.18 percent) reported by Onifade, et al. [53] for the raw untreated form. 
The dry matter values for the fermented cocoa pod husk meal (84.40 percent) and hot – water treated cocoa pod 
husk meal (85.28 percent) are slightly lower than the value (88.96 percent) for processed forms of cocoa pod husk 
meal reported by Alamowor, et al. [58]. The raw cocoa pod husk meal recorded highest values in dry matter, crude 
protein and crude fibre, followed by the hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal. The fermented cocoa pod husk 
meal recorded the least values in dry matter and crude protein contents. The ether extract, ash, nitrogen free 
extract and fibre fractions were within the values reported by Marcel, et al. [59] for cocoa pod husk meal. The ash 
content of the raw (9.30 percent), fermented (10.80 percent) and hot – water treated (10.85 percent) cocoa pod husk 
meal, respectively were slightly higher than the value of 9.07 percent reported by Alamowor, et al. [58] and  lower 
than the value of 11.14 percent reported by Onifade, et al. [53] for unprocessed cocoa pod husk meal. The 
proximate fractions obtained in this study are comparable to those reported by Hamzat and Adeola [60] for dry 
matter and ash contents of cocoa pod husk, but fairly higher in crude protein, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, 
neutral detergent fibre and total digestible nutrients. The differences in values could be attributed to the different 
processing methods adopted in the separate studies. Nutritionally, the results revealed that cocoa pod husk meal 
(irrespective of the processing method) is low in nutrient contents (especially crude protein), but high in crude 
fibre. This is in agreement with the findings of Oddoye, et al. [19] who reported that cocoa pod husk is not too 
nutritious, due to its low metabolizable energy, crude protein and high crude fibre contents. 
 

4.2. Growth Performance Characteristics 
The growth performance characteristics of rabbits (Table 4) recorded significant differences across treatments 

in the final weight gain (FWG), average daily feed intake (ADF) and total weight gain (TWG). The average daily 
weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) recorded statistically similar results across dietary treatments. 
The ADF decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the raw cocoa pod husk meal group from 66.94 g/rabbit/day in the 
control diet to 52.98 g/rabbit/day in the diet with 37.50 percent of raw cocoa pod husk meal, implying the rabbits 
consumed more feed in the control diet. The ADF in the fermented cocoa pod husk meal decreased marginally from 
66.47 to 62.75 g/rabbit/day across dietary treatments; while the hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal recorded 
a progressive trend in ADF ranging from 64.34 – 71.16 g/rabbit/day in dietary treatments. The values for ADF 
obtained in this study are comparable to the range of 63.46 – 70.46 g/rabbit/day reported by Isika, et al. [61] who 
evaluated the replacement value of processed cocoa bean meal for groundnut cake in rations for fryer rabbits. 
However, the ADF values are far higher than the range of 24.08 – 37.16 g/rabbit/day reported by Ahaotu, et al. 
[62] in Dutch rabbits fed processed ripe banana peel meal. The differences in ADF values could be attributed to 
age disparity, differences in feed materials and environmental influences. Metabolic processes increase with age in 
animals, just as the feed intake to meet maintenance and performance functions [61]. The experimental rabbits in 
this study appeared to follow such assertion, especially in the hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal group. The 



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feed intake in this group increased as the fibre level increased across the dietary treatments. This finding agrees 
with the report of Onyema and Iwuala [63] who stated that the consumption of high fibre diets resulted to 
increase in feed intake. However, the trend was reversed in the raw cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) group. The 
plausible reason for the observed depression in ADF in the raw CPHM could be the high anti- nutrient 
(Theobromine) content in the raw form. Theobromine has been reported to be a key anti – nutrient in cocoa 
products [64] its presence is reported to limit feed intake by animals and consequently, zootechnical parameters 
[65]. However, the ADF was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in the hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal 
group. This validates the report of Adeyina, et al. [40] who stated that feed intake and weight gain were high in 
rabbits fed hot – water treated cocoa bean shell up to 200g/kg. This is so because the hot – water treatment and 
fermentation methods have been reported to reduce the theobromine content in cocoa by – products [40]. 

The values for ADG fluctuated across dietary treatments with no definite pattern. In all the processed forms of 
cocoa pod husk meal, the highest inclusion level (37.50 percent) recorded the least ADG, implying that CPHM and 
its associated theobromine and unpalatable nature adversely affected weight gain. This agrees with the findings of 
Marcel, et al. [59] who reported that the use of cocoa pod husk meal above certain permissible levels will depress 
the weight gain of animals. The feed conversion ratios obtained in this study were poor, since the values were 
highest in the hot – water treated cocoa pod husk meal group, compared to other processed forms. The poor feed 
efficiency may be attributed to the high levels of CPHM in the rabbit diets that even fermentation and hot – water 
treatment could not address, and this agrees with Devender [66]; Day and Dilworth [67]; Marcel, et al. [59] who 
have recommended low levels  of CPHM and other cocoa by – products inclusion in animal diets. High intake of 
highly fibrous feeds by rabbits has been reported to cause reduced feed efficiency [68]. The mortality recorded may 
be unconnected to the diets, but due to attack by soldier ants. Therefore, it could be stated that raw CPHM 
depresses the performance of animals at levels exceeding 25 percent. 
 

4.3. Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Co - Efficients 
The apparent nutrient digestibility co - efficients in rabbits fed raw, fermented and hot – water treated cocoa 

pod husk meal based- diets did not record any significant difference between dietary treatments in digestible dry 
matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract; except the digestible ash and nitrogen free extract which were 
significantly affected (P < 0.05)  (Table 5). The digestibility co - efficients obtained in this study were generally 
high in all parameters, implying that the rabbits were able to utilize nutrients in the diets for their growth. The 
digestibility of crude protein declined marginally across dietary treatments in the raw cocoa pod husk meal 
(CPHM) group, while other processed methods recorded fluctuating trend without a definite pattern. The decline 
in crude protein digestibilty in the raw CPHM may be associated with the theobromine content of the raw cocoa 
pod husk, which has been reported to limit its utilization in animals [59] and also due to the increasing level of 
fibre in the cocoa pod husk meal. The decline in protein digestibility confirms the result of negative influence of 
fibrous substances on nutrient digestibility in farm animals [69, 70]. Reduced digestibility could be attributed to 
the reduction in mean retention time of feed in the alimentary canal [59]. It has also been reported that increasing 
the concentration of cocoa by – products in diets will increase the concentration of neutral detergent fibre, acid 
detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin that reduce the action of digestive enzymes in the intestine [71]. The 
digestible crude fibre values in this study were quite high. Meffeja, et al. [72] reported that high fibre 
concentrations would lead to copious production of mucus which helps in protecting the lining of the digestive 
tract. The co - efficients of nutrient digestibilty in this study were higher than the values reported by Meffeja, et al. 
[72] for cocoa shell meal. This is because the food value of cocoa shell meal is lower than that of cocoa pod husk 
meal and because of the low digestibilty of the nutrients in cocoa shell meal; it has been recommended for animals 
at the finishing phase than those under rapid growth [72]. This justifies the high value of cocoa shell meal in diets 
meant for small ruminants and dairy cows. 

The digestibility of nutrients obtained in this study for dry matter (95.41 – 96.34 percent), crude fibre (61.14 – 
85.97 percent), ether extract (71.51 – 83.57 percent) and ash (56.84 – 83.33 percent) are fairly higher than the 
ranges reported by Adedire, et al. [73] for digestible dry matter (63.63 – 69.37 percent), crude fibre (55.61 – 62.88 
percent), ether extract (62.14 – 64.15 percent) and ash (51.75 – 58.05 percent) who fed crop based residues 
fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus to experimental rabbits. The crude protein digestibility in this study ranges 
from 72.18 – 78.54 percent and slightly lower than the range (80.40 – 88.01 percent) recorded by Adedire, et al. 
[73]. The differences in nutrients digestibilty between the separate studies could be attributed to age disparity of 
the rabbits, different feeding materials used as test ingredients, processing methods and associated fibre levels. The 
trend of dry matter digestibility was statistically similar across dietary treatments and was proportional to crude 
fibre level in the diets especially with the degree of lignification [74] implying that the higher the fibre content of 
diets, the better the dry matter digestibility. This is in line with the report of Aboushour and Baraket [75] that dry 
matter intake and digestibility increased as dietary fibre increases. The result obtained revealed that digestible 
protein did not improve significantly with fermentation and hot – water treatment of cocoa pod husk meal 
compared with the raw group. This may be due to the insoluble fibre in the cocoa pod husk which was not 
effectively digested; as insoluble fibre can be further fermented in the caeca of rabbits to derive more protein and 
vitamins through coprophagy or caecotrophy [76]. The presentation of cocoa pod husk meal as raw, fermented and 
hot – water treated forms did not have any significant effect in the digestibility of dry matter, protein, fibre and 
ether extract. This suggests that the processing of cocoa pod husk meal in any of the three forms did not exert any 
stimulating effect that could have enhanced better digestibility. This observation is in tandem with the report of 
Adedire, et al. [73] who opined that fermentation of plant materials may not enhance nutrient digestibility. 
 
 
 
 
 



Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2017, 4(1): 8-19 

 
14 

 

 

5. Conclusion 
Within the present experimental conditions, this study concludes that processed cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) 

could be included in diets meant for rabbits. The order of importance is the fermented CPHM, followed by the hot 
– water treated CPHM and lastly the raw CPHM, respectively. The fermented cocoa pod husk meal – based diets 
performed best compared to other forms in terms of growth performance and nutrient utilization of rabbits. 

 

6. Recommendations 
Based on the outcome of this study, it is therefore recommended as that: 

i. Cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) should be fermented before it can be included in diets meant for rabbits. 
Hence, fermentation is the best and cheapest method of detheobromination. 

ii. The level of inclusion of fermented CPHM should not exceed 25.00 percent in rabbit diets. 

 
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 Table-1. Gross composition of experimental diets 

                         Dietary treatments & levels of RCPHM                                   Dietary treatments & levels of FCPHM                           Dietary treatments & levels of HCPHM 

Ingredients T1 (0%) T2 (12.50%) 
T3 

(25.00%) T4 (37.50%) T5 (0%) 
T6 

(12.50%) T7 (25.00%) T8 (37.50%) T9 (0%) 
T10 

(12.50%) 
T11 

(25.00%) 
T12 

(37.50%) 

Yellow Maize 36.00 33.00 30.00 27.00 36.00 33.00 30.00 27.00 36.00 33.00 30.00 27.00 
Soybean m. 15.70 16.00 16.00 17.00 15.70 16.00 16.00 17.00 15.70 16.00 16.00 17.00 
Fish meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 
PKC 4.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 4.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 4.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 
Wheat offal 10.00 6.25 5.50 1.00 10.00 6.25 5.50 1.00 10.00 6.25 5.50 1.00 
Rice husk 27.00 18.95 9.20 2.20 27.00 18.95 9.20 2.20 27.00 18.95 9.20 2.20 
RCPHM 0.00 12.50 25.00 37.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
FCPHM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.50 25.00 37.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
HCPHM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.50 25.00 37.50 
Bone meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 
Palm oil 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 
Methionine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 
Lysine 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 
Salt (NaCl) 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 
Premix 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 
Calculated analysis :       
% CP 16.00 16.04 16.32 16.61 16.00 16.04 16.32     16.61              16.00 16.04 16.32      16.61 
%CF 10.00 11.65 13.54 15.87 10.00 11.65 13.54    15.87    10.00 11.65 13.54 15.87 
*Theob.(g/kg) 0.00 2.83 5.67 8.50 0.00 2.83 5.67     8.50    0.00 2.83 5.67 8.50 
ME (Kcal/Kg) 2,500.75 2,505.80 2,524.85 2,536.90 2,500.75 2,505.80 2,524.85 2,536.90     2,500.75 2,505.80 2,524.85 2,536.90 

Note: Gross Composition of Bio -Super Premix per Kg: 
Vitamin A -1,5000,000IU; Vitamin D3 - 300,000IU; Vitamin E - 400mg; Vitamin K3 - 100mg;  
Vitamin B2 - 400mg; Vitamin B12 - 2,000mg; Nicotinamide - 2,000mg; Calcium D - Panto- 
thenate - 800mg; Choline Chloride - 40,000mg; Ferrous sulphate - 2,000mg; Manganese sulphate - 5,000mg; Copper sulphate - 80mg; Zinc oxide - 3,000mg; Cobalt sulphate - 10mg; Potassium iodide - 120mg;  
DL-Methionine - 10,000mg and Antioxidant - 18,000mg. 
The premix was manufactured by Bio - Pharmachemie Company, HCM City, Vietnam. 
CF - Crude Fibre 
CP - Crude Protein  
*Theob.: Theobromine content - calculated based on standard method proposed by Odunsi and Longe [77].  
ME - Metabolizable Energy 

 

 

 

 

 



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Table-2. Proximate composition (determined analysis) of experimental diets 

  RCPHM DIETS    FCPHM DIETS    HCPHM DIETS   
Parameter T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12  

(%) 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% S.E.M 
Dry matter 88.28c 89.03b 92.64a 87.10f 88.28c 88.70b 88.75b 88.32b 88.28c 87.32c 87.99d 88.61b 0.05 

Crude protein 18.30b 17.86d 18.08c 14.04f 18.30b 17.80d 15.89e 17.45c 18.30b 14.16f 15.56e 18.73a 0.009 
Crude fibre 14.13f 18.55cd 20.03e 23.53b 14.13f 14.67f 13.38f 26.37a 14.13f 22.66c 21.46d 23.08b 0.007 

EE 10.53e 12.17b 11.57c 10.63e 10.53 11.36c 14.81a 10.98d 10.53e 9.91f 11.13c 10.95d 0.009 
Ash 10.21e 10.94a 8.36d 9.31d 10.21e 7.60f 8.48d 10.82b 10.21e 10.45c 10.38d 10.38d 0.006 
NFE 46.83b 40.48d 41.96c 42.49c 46.83b 48.57a 47.44b 34.38e 46.83b 42.82c 41.47d 36.86e 0.09 

Note: a, b, c…f: Means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (P < 0.05) 
All Mean values are obtained from Triplicate samples per treatment/diet 
RCPHM: Raw Cocoa Pod Husk  Meal 
FCPHM: Fermented Cocoa Pod Husk Meal 
HCPHM: Hot -water treated Cocoa Pod Husk Meal 
EE: Ether extract  
NFE: Nitrogen free extract  
S.E.M: Standard Error of Mean 

 
Table-3. Proximate composition  and fibre fractions of raw  and  processed cocoa pod husk meal 

Parameter  Test ingredient   
(%)        RCPHM          FCPHM        HCPHM S.E.M 

Dry Matter 94.60a  84.40b 85.28b 3.27 
Crude Protein 9.37a  7.70b 8.94a 0.50 
Crude Fibre 61.80a  57.42b 53.37c 2.44 
Ether extract 8.83b  9.52b 11.68a 0.86 
Ash  9.30b  10.80a 10.85a 0.51 
Nitrogen Free Extract 10.70b  14.56a 15.16a 1.40 
ADF 68.64b  73.09a 64.60c 2.46 
NDF 75.08b  79.45a 71.09c 2.42 
TDN 1.52   1.28 1.43 0.07 

Note: a,b, c means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (P < 0.05) 
All Mean values are obtained from Triplicate samples per treatment/diet  
RCPHM- Raw Cocoa Pod Husk Meal     
FCPHM - Fermented Cocoa Pod Husk Meal    
HCPHM - Hot - water treated Cocoa Pod Husk Meal   
CP: Crude protein  NDF: Neutral detergent fibre  
CF: Crude fibre  TDN: Total digestible nutrients  
EE: Ether extract  S.E.M: Standard Error of Mean  
NFE: Nitrogen free extract     
ADF: Acid detergent fibre     

 

 

 



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Table-4. Pre-pubertal growth performance characteristics of weaned rabbits fed cocoa pod husk meal- based diets 

   RCPHM DIETS   FCPHM DIETS   HCPHM DIETS   
Performance trait T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12  
    0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% S.E.M 
Initial Wt. (g/rabbit) 602.00 610.00 608.00 605.00 605.00 610.00 602.50 612.50 600.00 612.00 600.00 610.00 1.32 
Final Wt. (g/rabbit) 1650.00a 1300.00b 1480.00ab 1162.50b 1512.50ab 1266.67b 1475.00ab 1183.33b 1310.00b 1250.00b 993.33c 1000.00c 58.52 
Total Feed Intake (g/rbt.) 4217.48 3941.12 3734.17 3337.72 4187.72 4351.90 3956.66 3953.34 4053.66 4418.97 4466.96 4483.06 97.49 
Wkly. Feed Intake (g/rbt.) 468.61 437.70 414.91 370.86 465.30 483.54 439.63 439.26 450.41 490.99 496.33 498.12 10.83 
ADF (g/rabbit/day) 66.94b 62.56c 59.27d 52.98d 66.47b 69.08b 62.80c 62.75c 64.34bc 70.14a 70.90a 71.16a 3.87 
Total Wt. Gain (g/rbt.) 1048.00a 690.00c 872.00b 557.50d 907.50b 656.67c 872.50b 570.83d 710.00bc 638.00c 393.33e 390.00e 26.85 
Wkly. Wt. Gain (g/rbt.) 116.44 76.67 96.89 61.94 100.83 72.96 96.94 63.42 78.89 70.89 43.70 43.33 24.13 
ADG (g/rabbit/day) 16.63 10.95 13.84 8.85 14.40 10.42 13.85 9.06 11.27 10.13 6.24 6.19 0.93 
FCR  4.03 5.71 4.28 5.99 4.62 6.63 4.53 6.93 5.71 6.92 11.36 11.50 0.72 
Mortality (%) 20.00* 00.00 0.00 00.00 00.00 0.00 00.00 20.00* 0.00 00.00 00.00 00.00 2.61 
Note: a,b,c,d,e Means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (P < 0. 05) 
RCPHM: Raw Cocoa Pod Husk Meal    FCR: Feed Conversion Ratio  
FCPHM: Fermented Cocoa Pod Husk Meal   S.E.M.: Standard Error of mean  
HCPHM:Hot -water treated Cocoa Pod Husk Meal   rbt.: Rabbit    
Wkly.Wt. Gain:  Weekly Weight Gain    * Mortality due to soldier ants invasion 
ADF: Average Daily Feed Intake        
ADG: Average Daily Gain        

 
Table-5. Nutrient digestibilty co - efficients of rabbits fed diets containing cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) 

Parameter   RCPHM         FCPHM     HCPHM       

(%)    T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10  T11 T12  
  0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% 0% 12.50% 25.00% 37.50% S.E.M 
Dry matter 96.32 96.43 95.41 96.43 96.35 95.58 96.42 96.33 96.34 96.43 96.27 96.31 0.09 
Crude protein 78.14 77.88 77.21 75.07 76.78 78.54 72.18 78.11 77.32 73.31 74.42 77.74 0.61 
Crude fibre 77.92 78.44 75.04 74.50 76.79 71.03 61.14 76.68 77.42 85.97 80.80 82.19 1.78 
Ether extract 71.51 83.57 78.39 76.48 76.26 82.39 79.74 77.23 81.01 74.77 82.03 81.74 1.05 
Ash 79.82a 63.25b 48.44c 64.23b 79.82a 66.05b 56.84c 72.64b 79.82a 63.35b 75.92ab 83.33a 3.12 
Nitrogen free extract 73.99a 65.49b 62.04b 63.92b 74.18a 73.96a 65.68b 55.12c 75.66a 68.97b 69.62b 67.42b 1.75 

 Note: a,b,c Means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (P < 0.05) 
RCPHM: Raw Cocoa Pod Husk Meal 
FCPHM: Fermented Cocoa Pod Husk Meal 
HCPHM:Hot -water treated Cocoa Pod Husk Meal 
S.E.M.: Standard Error of mean  

 
 

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