Abstract
A total of sixteen cross bred weaned rabbits of both sexes with an average initial weight of 366.19g were used in a feeding trial to determine the growth performance and blood profile of rabbits using Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx residue. Four experimental diets were formulated comprising of 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent inclusion levels of Hibiscus sabdariffa residue as treatment 1 (control), 2, 3 and 4 respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD). The rabbits were subjected to a nine week feeding trial. During this period their growth performance characteristics and blood profile of rabbits were determined. The result from the study showed that the pre- pubertal growth performance recorded no significant effect (p>0.05) on all parameters measured. Heamatological indices showed significant differences (p<0.05) for all parameters. Treatment four had higher values except for the mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration (MCH). The serum biochemical indices were significantly affected (p<0.05) across dietary treatments. 15 percent of Hibiscus sabdariffa residue inclusion was well tolerated by rabbits. However, a higher inclusion level can be researched on.