Performance of rabbits fed different levels of fibers. 1. During pre-weaning period
Abstract: One hundred twenty New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (bunny) aged 21 days (suckling period) were divided into four equal groups and fed on the same ration of their does which formulated to be differ in crude fiber level as follow 12, 14, 16 and 18% and lasted till they aged 35 days.
The results showed that, bunnies fed 16% crude fiber had the longest cecal length. Also, with increasing fiber level the acidity of the cecal content increased, thus reducing the count of pathogenic bacteria, further, a slight increase in blood proteins and an improvement in weight gain (P<0.05), with reduction in mortality rate at weaning were observed.
The highest weight gain was recorded for bunnies fed diets contained 18 and 16% crude fiber, respectively. The solid feed consumed per bunny showed the same trend, while there were no variations between does in milk production.
In conclusion, dietary bunnies high fiber levels through suckling period are necessary to change cecal characteristics which reflect on improving the function of the digestive tract subsequently reduction in mortality rate, increase body weight and weight gain, either during this experimental period or the following fattening period.
Key words: Fiber, suckling period, cecal.
Publication year 2007
Pages 181-189
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
City الغردقة
serial title The 5th International Conference On Rabbit Production In Hot Climate
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal feeding
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Fibres. Performance testing. Rabbits.
Proposed Agrovoc suckling period;Rabbits Feeding and feeds;Rabbits Breeding;
Publication Type Conference/Workshop
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