Performance of rabbits fed different levels of fibers. 2. during fattening period

Abstract: Sixty New Zealand White rabbits aged 5 weeks were assigned to four experimental groups (15 rabbits each). Rabbits were fed a growing diets contained different levels of crude fiber as follows: 12% (control), 14, 16 and 18% for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Growth performance, mortality rate, cecal length, pH and count of pathogenic bacteria were recorded. Carcass characteristics, blood constituents and nutrients digestibility were determined, while, economic efficiency was calculated at the end of the experiment.
The results showed that live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion were improved with dietary 16% crude fiber. A reduction in mortality rate was observed with increasing fiber level, where 16% and 18% crude fiber groups recorded no mortality. The longest cecal length, lowest value of pH, lowest count of E.coli and anaerobic bacteria were recorded with rabbits fed 16% crude fiber. There were no significant adverse effects on digestion coefficients due to increasing fiber levels. However, there were a significant increases in dressed weight, front legs and abdominal fat due to increasing fiber level. Moreover, an improvement in all blood parameters studied especially those related to immune system were recorded.
It can be concluded that dietary 16% crude fiber level gave the best results and it can be recommended for growing NZW rabbits.
Key words: fiber level, fattening rabbits, cecum ,digestibility.

Publication year

2009

Pages

864-879

Availability location

معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى - شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة

Availability number

Organization Name

Animal Production Research Institute (APRI)

City

طابا

serial title