BOILED BOVINE RUMEN DIGESTA AS A FEED COMPONENT: EFFECTS ON CARCASS QUALITY, AND ORGAN WEIGHTS IN GROWING RABBITS

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the carcass characteristics and organ weight of growing rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of boiled Bovine Rumen Digesta (BBRD) as a source of protein and energy. A total of sixteen (16) weaner rabbits (5-6 weeks of age) were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, comprising graded levels of 0, 7.5%, 15%, and 22.5 % of BBRD in the diets. The experimental design was completely randomized design and the study lasted 56-day. Data collected and analysed were Carcass characteristics, including live weight (1254.08–1279.05g), slaughter weight (1176.67–1187.50 g), and dressing percentage (72.41–74.56%), exhibited no significant differences among groups (p< 0.05). Similarly, weights of pelt, head, hindquarters, loins, and forequarters were consistent across treatments (p> 0.05). The organ weight analysis revealed no significant differences (p< 0.05), except for liver weight, which was highest in the BBRD15 group (26.72 g, p < 0.05). Kidney, lungs and trachea, heart, large intestine, and small intestine weights showed minor variations without significant treatment effects. In conclusion, BBRD did not notably influence carcass characteristics, and most organ weights. Boiled Bovine Rumen Digesta could be incorporated up to 22.5% in rabbit diets without adverse effects on rabbit meat production