Effects of feeding sun-dried bovine rumen contents on growth and carcass quality of New Zealand White rabbits /

Abstract

This research study aimed to investigate the impact of sun-dried bovine rumen contents (SDBRC) on the growth and linear body measurements of New Zealand White rabbits. The experimental rabbits (n=12) were selected from four New Zealand White bucks and subsequently allocated into three distinct treatments, each with specific dietary compositions. The control group was provided with a standard diet of rabbit pellets, while the experimental groups received rabbit pellets supplemented with 30% (Treatment A) and 40% (Treatment B) of SDBRC. All animals were subjected to consistent and meticulous livestock management practices throughout the 12-week experimental period. There were no significant differences in the growth of rabbits given rabbit pellets and 30% SDBRC. However, the live weight gain and final weights of rabbits on 40% SDBRC inclusion were significantly lower than the 30% SDBRC inclusion and the control (P<0.05). Parameters, such as total feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and dressing percentage were not significantly different (P>0.05). The linear body measurements (heart girth, body length, and abdominal circumference), were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by dietary variations. Carcass weight for the rabbits on 40% SDBRC inclusion was significantly lower than for rabbits on the control and 30% SBDRC inclusion diets (p=0.001). Other carcass parameters such as meat colour and pH exhibited no significant differences across all three treatments (p>0.05). These findings highlight the promising potential of incorporating SDBRC into rabbit diets, particularly up to 30%, without compromising growth performance and carcass characteristic.