EFFECT OF FEEDING REGIMEN ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS ATTRIBUTES AND ECONOMIC OF PRODUCTION OF GROWING RABBITS

Abstract

This experiment examined the effect of feed regimen on growth performance, carcass attributes and economic of production of growing rabbits. Thirty (30) rabbits of mixed sexes were randomly assigned to five treatment units and replicated six times. The treatments were based on period of feed restriction for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The rabbits that were fed ad libitum served as the control. There was no significant difference in the growth performance and carcass attributes across the treatment units. Feed efficiency was however best in rabbits with longer period (8 weeks) of feed restriction. The result also revealed that the cost per kilogram of rabbits produced was significantly reduced with increased level of feed restriction. It could therefore be concluded that feed restriction can be adopted for growing rabbits without adverse effect on growth performance and carcass attributes. The strategy could also be key to improving feed utilization efficiency and reduction in cost of rabbit production.