<b>Effect of acid detergent fiber levels on digestibility coefficients and performance of growing rabbits</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v26i1.1932

Abstract

The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of acid detergent fiber (15.1; 17.9; 20.6 e 23.0% ADF) on apparent digestibility of diets and performance of fattening New Zealand White rabbits. Diets with 19.8% crude protein (CP), 2850 kcal/kg digestive energy (DE) and 28.8% starch were used. The adaptation on the digestibility trial lasted seven days and the collection of samples more seven days. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, ADF and gross energy decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with the increase of fiber content of the diets, while the NDF digestibility presented linear increase (P < 0.01). The CP, extract ether and starch digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05). In the performance trial, six replicates for each treatment were used, with three animals/cage. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) of diets on feed intake, initial weight and feed conversion, indicating 19% ADF as the optimal fiber level. The diary weight gain rose linearly (P < 0.001) and the mortality did not differ (P > 0.01) with increase of dietary fiber levels.