Performance of growing rabbits fed graded levels of bovine blood-rumen content mixture

摘要

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth and economic performance of growing rabbits fed bovine blood-rumen content mixture (BBRCM). The BBRCM which contained 35.4% crude protein and 25.10% crude fibre was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively to replace groundnut cake in the diets. Forty-five crossbred rabbits (Dutch X New Zealand White) between 5 – 7 weeks of age were randomly allocated to the 5 treatments in group of 9 rabbits and allowed unlimited access to the feed and drinking water throughout the experimental period. The daily weight gain (DWG) which were10.77, 10.60, 11.10, 10.12 and 8.51g for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively were not significantly (p>0.05) different among the treatments. The corresponding daily feed intake of 56.10, 62.67, 67.09, 71.57 and 73.99gs were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatments. The feed cost per kg and feed cost per kg of weight gain decreased as the level of BBRCM increased in the diets. This lead to lowered feed cost and cost of production of rabbits. Therefore, 40% BBRCM could be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits without adverse effects on performance.