New trend in rabbit's growth in relation to energy and protein requirements
Abstract: This study was designed to determine the adequate allowances of energy and protein during two successive growth periods in order to maximize growth performance, consequently economic efficiency. Four dietary protein levels; 16, 18, 19 and 20% with three levels of digestible energy; 2500, 2800 and 3000 kcal/kg diet in a(4 x 3) factorial design were fed to growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. A total of 180 rabbits were randomly assigned into twelve group (15 rabbit each), of nearly similar age (5 weeks) and initial weights. The experimental period was subdivided into two equal periods (four weeks each).
Results showed that increases energy and protein concentration (during the 1st period) up to 112% (2800 DE) and 118. 75% (19% CP), respectively more than NRC, (1977) gave the best values (P<0.01) for body weight gain and feed conversion, so the best economic efficiency value. While during the second period. the mentioned values was the best (P<0.0l) when energy and protein levels increased up to 120% (3000 DE) and 112.5% (18% CP), respectively more than NRC, (1977). The best values of DM and OM digestion coefficients, carcass weight, blood total protein and liver function (ALT and AST enzymes) were recorded for rabbits fed 18% CP and 3000 kcal DE/kg diet.
In conclusion, increasing dietary energy and protein levels in NZW growing rabbit's diets with portioning the growth periods into two successive periods improved growth performance and economic efficiency.
Keywords: Energy levels, growth performance, protein, rabbits.
Publication year 2009
Pages 87
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى - شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
serial title Egyptian Journal of Rabbit Science
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal feeding
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Energy. Growth. Performance testing. Proteins. Rabbits. Trophic levels.
Publication Type Journal
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