Effect of Ad Lib feeding of whole wheat grains at varying levels of protein supplement in soviet chinchilla broiler rabbits

摘要

Forty eight Soviet Chinchilla 6 weeks old rabbits were divided into four groups on equal sex and weight basis. The diet consisted of three parts (i) whole wheat grains, (ii) protein supplement (DGNC 69.6:FM 30.4) and (iii) mixture of molasses and minerals added @ 4 and 5 per cent, respectively in the total ration. The control group (T_4) was fed protein supplement as per NRC (1977) recommendations. Rabbits in other 3 experimental groups (T_1, T_2 and T_3) were fed protein supplements at 25, 50 and 75 per cent of control group, respectively. Whole wheat grains were provided ad lib to T_1, T_2 and T_3 groups, however, T_4 groups was provided with balanced feed. Body weight gain at 12 weeks of age was non-significant between T_1, T_2 and between T_3, T_4 groups, however, T_3 and T_4 groups differed significantly (P<0.01) from T_1 and T_2 groups. Total feed intake per animal during experimental period was 2506, 2786, 3430 and 3535 gm in T_1, T_2, T_3 and T_4 groups, respectively. Protein intake per animal from wheat grains and protein supplement was 343, 427, 553 and 616 gm in T_1, T_2, T_3 and T_4 groups, respectively. FCR differed significantly (P<0.01) among the treatments. Variations in the haemoglobin and packed cell volume among the treatments were non-significant, whereas total blood protein differed significantly (P<0.01). Feed cost per kg live weight gain was Rs. 9.87, 10.30, 10.63 and 12.84 in T_1, T_2, T_3 and T_4 groups, respectively. The study indicated that T_3 groups can adjust its crude protein by eating more wheat grains along with protein supplement, and its growth performance in comparable to T_4 i.e. control group.