A Split Plot Analysis on the Impact of Rabbit Feeds on the Growth, Maturity and Reproduction of Rabbits

Student: Mfoniso Samuel (Project, 2025)
Department of Statistics
Cross Rivers University of Technology, Calabar, Cross Rivers State


Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different feed categories on rabbits’ growth, maturity and reproduction using a Split Plot Analysis. Four feed types were evaluated: Industrial feed, a 50/50 blend of industrial and farm-formulated feed, a predominantly farm-formulated blend, and exclusively farm-formulated feed. A ten-week experiment was conducted at the Cross River University of Technology, Department of Agronomy, to assess quantity of feeds and feed conversion efficiency of the rabbits. A split-plot design was employed, with feed categories as whole plots and application methods (quantity and feed conversion efficiency) as subplots. The experiment was randomized by week.The results indicated no significant differences among feed categories at 5% significant level but revealed highly significant variations in feed quantity and feed conversion efficiency at both 5% and 1% significant levels. These findings suggest that while feed type may not be a primary factor in rabbit production, optimizing feed quantity and conversion efficiency is crucial for maximizing their general performance.

Keywords
Split plot Analysis rabbits impacts growth maturity reproduction Feed conversion efficiency