<b>Effect of half-simplified diets formulated with cassava by-product ensiled or not on performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i1.9643

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance from weaning to slaughter and carcass characteristics of 144 New Zealand White rabbits, from does fed with a reference diet or half-simplified diet containing 79.83% cassava by-product, allocated in iron cages, in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (two diets used for does and litters until weaning versus three diets supplied for animals from weaning to slaughter) with 12 replications and two animals per experimental unit. The supplied diets after weaning consisted of one reference and two half-simplified diets with 81.63% cassava by-product ensiled or not before its incorporation. Rabbits from mothers fed with the half-simplified diet gained less weight at weaning than rabbits fed with reference diet. Lower feed intake was observed for rabbits that received the maternity half-simplified diet until weaning, resulting in a better feed:gain ratio. The weight of carcass and commercial cuts were higher for animals fed with both reference diets: maternity and growth diets. The use of half-simplified diets with cassava by-product ensiled or not, from weaning to slaughter, reduced daily weight gain and feed intake; however, it improved the feed:gain ratio and decreased ration feed cost. The use of half-simplified diets represents an interesting alternative in rabbit production.