Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring the potential use of cassava peels as a dietary component for livestock, particularly in rabbits. The objective of this study was to examine how different levels of pelletized cassava peel in the diets of growing rabbits affect their serum parameters. The research followed a completely randomized design, with twenty rabbits distributed randomly into four dietary groups, each consisting of five replicates. The dietary groups included a control diet with no cassava peel (0%), as well as diets with 10%, 20%, and 30% cassava peel inclusion, while maize remained the primary source of energy. The study spanned eight weeks, during which serum samples were collected and subjected to analysis for various biochemical parameters. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in serum indices among the different dietary treatments. Particularly noteworthy was that rabbits fed diets containing 10% and 20% cassava peel exhibited higher levels of albumin, with values ranging from 38.50 g/dl to 34.50 g/dl, compared to those on the control diet. Total protein values ranged from 76.50 g/l (control) to 79.50 g/l (30% cassava peel inclusion). Creatinine levels varied from 66.60 mg/dl (20% 20% inclusion) to 79.60 mg/dl (30% 30% inclusion). Furthermore, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values also displayed significant differences, with the highest AST level (10.50 IU/l) observed in the 30% cassava peel group and the lowest ALT level (6.50 IU/l) in the 10% inclusion group. Blood glucose levels ranged from 4.20 (30% cassava peel) to 5.80 (control), and chloride levels ranged from 98.50 (20% cassava peel) to 104.50 (10% cassava peel). In conclusion, incorporating cassava peel at inclusion levels of 10% to 20% in rabbit diets can have a positive impact on serum parameters without any adverse effects.