Performance, gut morphology and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits as affected by particle size of pelleted diets.

摘要

Effects of compound diet particle size were investigated upon performance, nutrient utilization, gut morphology and carcass characteristics in fattening Italian White breed rabbits. 2 isoenergetic and isonitrogenous pelleted feeds were formulated, which varied in concentrate particle size (2 and 8 mm, respectively). The finely ground diet significantly improved feed efficiency and apparent digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and NDF, without negatively affecting gut morphology. Furthermore, smaller particle size of concentrates in pelleted diets improved carcass traits. Meat colour parameters differed significantly in longissimus lumborum and biceps femoris due to dietary treatments, but in both cuts, pH values 1 and 24 h after slaughter remained unchanged. It is concluded that a finely ground pelleted diet can be used to improve growth performance in rabbits without affecting carcass parameters.