Performance evaluation of growing rabbits fed varying levels of rumen content and blood rumen-content mixture

Abstract

A total of 42 growing rabbits of different crossbreds with initial average weight of 1.20kg were fed rations in wghuch rumen content (RC) and blood-rumen content (BRC) proteins were substituted for groundnut cake protein in a completely randomized design. they were grouped into 7 treatments for 3 replicates, each containing 2 rabbits. They were fed RC and BRC in a practical diet at 10, 20 and 30% dietary inclusion levels for 56 days. The average daily feed intake(ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the treatments. The dry matter and protein digestibility coefficients were significantly (P<0.05) affected. The feed cost per kg diet and feed per kg gain were significantly(P<0.05)influenced. Among the internal organs evaluated, the liver and the kidney weights, small intestine and caecum length were also significantly (P<0.05) influenced. The dressing percentage was also affected significantly (P<0.05). The study showed that RC and BRc could be influenced at 305 dietary inclusion in growing rabbit's ration without deleterious effect. However, further investigation into long-term effect of feeding on the orgns of the animal is suggested