BIBLIOGRAPHY ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. March...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. March 2012. The Growth Performance of New
Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed. Benguet State University, La Trinidad
Benguet.
Adviser: Madeline S. Kingan, MSc
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to find out the effect of different forages as feed supplement on
the growth of rabbits. Specifically, the study was conducted to determine the performance
of rabbit in terms of gain in weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio using selected
forages as feed.
Twelve one month old rabbit was used in the study. They were distributed randomly
into three treatments using the three different feedstuffs namely: perennial peanut, kikuyu
grass and sweet potato. They were assigned such that T1 was the combination of kikuyu
grass and sweet potato; T2 was the combination of perennial peanut and sweet potato; and
treatment 3 was the combination of the three feedstuffs. Results revealed that the rabbits
had no significant differences in terms of gain in weight despite the feed intake of the
rabbits fed with perennial peanut + sweet potato and the combination of the perennial
peanut, sweet potato and kikuyu grass being higher on dry matter and as fed basis. On feed
conversion ratio, the rabbits fed kikuyu grass and sweet potato had better efficiency than
those fed kikuyu grass, perennial peanut and sweet potato. Meanwhile, the feed conversion
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
ratio of the rabbits feed perennial peanut and sweet potato was homologous to either
groups.
Based on the findings, it is therefore concluded the best combination of forages is
perennial peanut, kikuyu and sweet potato. Rabbit raisers may feed these forages upon their
discretion.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
INTRODUCTION
Almost 400,000 rabbits were used in research projects in the United States during
1991. They have been used for the production of disease fighting antibodies, studies
reproduction and researches in several human diseases.
Rabbit is a non-ruminant herbivore, having an enlarged hind gut. This has
considerable influence on its ability to utilize feedstuffs and dietary nutrient requirements.
Rabbit stomach has a very low pH of about 1.6 which effectively kills ingested bacteria
(Church, 1986).
Rabbit raising is a small enterprise but it has several advantages over other
agricultural animals. It can easily be raised by anyone under any climatic condition. The
facilities take up a little space compared to other agricultural animals such as cattle and
hogs. They are also herbivores and can be fed with roughage diets. In developing countries,
rabbit production is of interest because low grain diets based on roughages and by products
can be used, so it is not directly competitive with human food needs. Rabbits are raised for
several purposes, including meat and fur production, as laboratory animals, for show
purposes, and as pets (Warren, 1995).
Additionally, raising rabbits are much cheaper, more efficient and more productive
than raising chickens. Rabbit meat contains 18% protein and 8% fat compared to the
protein and fat contents of pork and meat, thus, is a good source of protein for those who
are in low cholesterol diet. It was to these observation the this study was formulated to
evaluate possible feed combinations using available forages like kikuyu grass and perennial
peanut that are sometimes being under-utilized.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum is a rhizomatous plant, in the Poaceae (grass)
family, that has matted roots and a grass-like or herbaceous habit. Grass has high level of
non-protein nitrogen (Marias, 2001) and this can potentially lead to an over-estimation of
the available protein, as common analytical procedures for feedstuffs express the protein
content as a function of its nitrogen concentration.
Arachis pintoi ‘Golden Glory’ (perennial peanut, pinto peanut) is established
vegetative, with stolons or stem cuttings either sown directly or container grown and
transplanted. The flowers of golden glory have slightly shorter stalks. This plant can be
well eaten by all classes of animals, including chickens, ducks and pigs. Selected by cattle
if animal exposed to the legume previously. This plant has nutritive value of 13-25% crude
protein. 60-70% dry matter digestibility. It has relatively low level of condensed tannins
(Bowman et al, 1998).
Finally, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to
the family Convolvulaceae. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.
This plant is mainly fed to pigs in backyard raising. It can also be eaten by rabbits and
guinea pigs.
This study was conducted to determine the growth performance of rabbits fed with
different forages as feed supplement.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. determine the performance of rabbit in terms of gain in weight, feed conversion
ratio, and feed intake feed using selected forages as feed supplement; and
2. determine which treatment had the best performance in terms of feed conversion
ratio.
This study was conducted at the Benguet State University (BSU) Rabbitry House, Balili,
La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2011 to January 2012.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Rabbits have much better ability to digest and utilize the protein in forages such as
alfalfa meal. These animals adjust their feed intake to compensate for varying dietary
energy levels, so a specific energy requirement in kcal/kg diet is meaningful. With the
nature of the rabbit’s digestive tract, large volumes of feed can be consumed. Most rabbits
ration are low in digestible energy (DE) in comparison to diets for other non-ruminants. A
level of 2,500 kcal/kg of DE is satisfactory. Rabbit thus, seen to be adopted to use of high
roughage, low energy diets.
In addition, rabbit is a very efficient converter of low-cost raw material into
valuable, top quality meat product. The efficiency with which the production unit functions
is dependent upon the composition of raw material which is made available. Nutrients to
be given must include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Forages and roughages are the primary feedstuffs for all herbivorous animals. They
share the common property of being high in fiber and low in digestible energy. Harvested
and stored forages (hays, silage, and other forms) and other roughages provide energy and
other nutrients for animals from plants sources of limited or no value in human nutrition.
Roughages are of primary value for ruminants and for non-ruminants that depend on
fermentation of insoluble carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for most of their
energy supply. Most forage is provided either as harvested grass legumes or as pasture
(Cheeke, 1987).
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Fronda (1972) stated that the grasses contain appreciable amount of essential
nutrients and are rich in unknown factors. Providing roughages daily to animals will keep
them healthy, thereby reducing mortality.
Tuttle, et al., (1969) proved in their study that improper selection of the most
suitable feed combination caused malnutrition and even stunted growth. This was proven
by their study using the rat colony as the experimental animals.
Gillespie (2002) stated that fresh green feeds such as grasses, palatable weeds,
cereal grains and leafy vegetable crops may be fed. These feeds are high in vitamin,
minerals and proteins. They are of special value when feeding breeding animals.
Peregrine (1973) found out that grasses especially young ones are highly digestible
and are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins as well as fairly high in starch content. Thus,
they are recommended as good green feeds for the animals and a supplement to
concentrate.
Templeton (1968) stated that green feeds are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins
especially vitamin A. These feeds are easily digested, beneficial in maintaining health and
vitality, and variety and may lower as feed cost.
Pond, et al., (1995) stated that rabbits are well suited to low-energy, fibrous
feedstuffs and are less well adapted to the utilization of high energy ingredient such as the
cereal grains. Thus fibrous ingredients such as alfalfa meal are typically the basis of rabbit
diets. Other dried herbage such as grass meal can also be used if available. For small scale
backyard rabbit raising, feeding greens such as grass vegetable tops, carrots and other
succulent feeds may be feasible, but is not practical on the commercial scale.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Church (1986) stated that various clovers can be used in place of alfalfa meal in rabbit
rations. Clovers are similar in composition to alfalfa meal, being good source of protein,
fat-soluble vitamins, calcium trace minerals and indigestible fiber. Also stated that
backyard rabbit raising on small scale, feeding of fresh greens can be advantageous. If
palatable greens are fed free choice, the amount of pellets offered can be reduced by about
half, with no adverse effect on performance. However, feeding green is sometime useful
in stimulating the appetite of animals that have gone off feed.
Church (1991) stated that growing rabbits of 5-10 weeks of age will have an
average daily dry feed consumption of 80-95g/kg body weight (2500kcal/kg). Feed
conversion ratio varies widely among rabbit’s breeds and managements. An average feed
conversion for meat-producing rabbits should be 3:1 that is 3 kg of feed for each kg of live
weight gain. Feed conversion decreases with increase in age, especially after 10 weeks of
age. For good economic return it is important to produce rabbits that reach slaughter weight
in the shortest time. Total feed utilized includes both feed consumed and feed efficiency.
A good efficiency and average daily gain can be obtained through the good animal genetic
selection, proper nutrition and health, good feeding practices and constant management
improvement.
Watson, et al., (1960) stated that rabbits will eat hay and dried grass with advantage
and small of silage may also be fed. Kikuyu leaf content of 9.2 MJ/kg ME, stem 7.4 MJ/kg
and crude protein leaf content of 21%, and 17% stem.
Generally, in case the commercial concentrates or home-mixed ingredients are not
available, green feeding composed of 50% legumes and 50% of other grasses will suffice
in providing a minimum dietary requirement especially for dry does and bucks. In addition,
forages greatly economize the amount of concentrate feed (Sicwaten, ND).
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Statistical Design and Treatment
Twelve one-month-old rabbits were used as experimental animals in the study.
Each rabbit was assigned at random into three treatments using completely randomized
design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times. The treatments are as follows.
T1 –50% kikuyu grass+ 50% camote
T2 –50% perennial peanut + 50% camote
T3 –25% perennial peanut + 25% kikuyu grass +50% camote
Housing, Feeding, and Care Management
The pens/cages were cleaned and disinfected one week before the study started.
The experimental animals were fed twice a day between 6:00 to 7:00 in the morning and
4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. Feeding management was done in two ways: interval feeding
and in between feeding. In such a way, that the roughages were given every morning and
afternoon feeding or the vice versa. Clean water was provided at all times. This was done
throughout the study. The roughages were washed thoroughly with clean water then air
dried for eight hours, weighed and recorded before giving to the animals. Cleaning of the
cages was done every before feeding. Cleanliness was observed.
Data Gathered
1. Initial weight (kg). This was obtained by weighing the animal at the start of the
study.
2. Final weight (kg). This was obtained by weighing the animal at the end of the
study.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
3. Feed offered (kg). This refers to the amount of the diet consumed by the animal.
4. Feed left-over (kg). This refers to the amount of diet/ration not consumed by the
animal.
5. Morbidity. This refers to the animals that got sick during the study.
6. Mortality. This refers to the animals that died during the study.
From the data to be gathered, the following were computed:
1. Feed intake (kg). This was taken by getting the difference between the amount
of feed offered and the amount of feed left-over.
2. Total gain in weight (kg). This computed by getting the difference between final
weight and initial weight.
3. Total feed consumption (kg). This computed by getting the sum of the amount
of feed consumed by the animals from the start to the end of the study.
4. Daily feed intake (kg). This was done by using the formula
`
Daily Feed Intake = Feed Intake
No. of Days on Test
5. Feed conversion ratio (%). This was computed using the formula
Feed conversion ratio = Total Feed Intake
Total Gain in Weight
6. Morbidity rate (%). This was taken by getting the quotient of the number of
animals that got sick by the total number of animals per replicate then multiplied by 100
%.
7. Mortality rate (%). This was taken by getting the quotient of the number of the
animals that died by the total number of replicate then multiplied by 100%.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Weight of the rabbits
Table 1 shows the initial weight and the final weight of rabbits in the different
treatments. It was observed that rabbits assigned in different treatments had almost the
same weight at the start of the study.
Final weight shown in Table 1 that rabbits fed with perennial peanut and sweet
potato as feed had the mean value of 1.49 kg as compared to rabbits fed with kikuyu grass
and sweet potato having 1.33 kg. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant
differences among different treatments.
Based on the result, it can be deduced that any of the combination of forages can
be produced the same effect in terms of body weights of rabbits. No advantage was seen
whether a two or three forage combination was fed.
Table 1. Weight of the rabbits at 30 and 50 days of age
TREATMENT
BODY WEIGHT (kg)
INITIAL
FINAL
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
0.41a
1.33a
perennial peanut + sweet potato
0.41a
1.49a
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
0.41a
1.40a
*Means with the same letter superscripts are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Gain in Weight
Although there were no statistical differences among treatment used, it is
interesting to note that rabbits fed with perennial peanut and sweet potato obtained the
higher numerical gain in weight with a mean of 1.08 kg. Rabbits given a combination of
kikuyu grass and sweet potato and the combination of kikuyu grass, perennial peanut and
sweet potato had means of 0.91, and 0.99 kg, respectively.
Based on findings, the gain in weight of the rabbits was not adversely affected by
any of the forage combinations. It may also prove that the different green feeds combined
had more or less the same effect.
Feed Intake
The green feeds of the rabbits in all treatments were given ad libitum. The rabbits
were allowed to eat as much as they could. The result showed that the different treatments
differed significantly in the amount of feed consumed. The control group given kikuyu
grass consumed the lowest amount of feed. In terms of dry matter basis, rabbits fed with
combination of perennial peanut, kikuyu grass and sweet potato had the mean value of 1.98
kg while as rabbits fed with kikuyu grass and sweet potato had the lowest mean value of
1.46 kg in terms of dry matter. Perennial peanut, being a high-protein feedstuff may have
enhanced the palatability of the feeds offered since it was observed that it was common in
the two treatments that has higher feed intake.
Based from this result, perennial peanut, kikuyu grass and sweet potato was the best
combination of green forages and it is the most palatable to rabbits while the combination
of kikuyu grass and sweet potato was the least palatable to rabbits.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Feed Conversion Ratio
The result showed that feed conversion of rabbits in the different treatments varied
significantly on dry matter feed basis. Rabbits fed with kikuyu grass and sweet potato had
the best conversion ratio of 1.4463, followed by rabbits fed with perennial peanut and sweet
potato and the rabbits fed with perennial peanut, sweet potato and kikuyu grass with mean
values of 1.7063 and 2.0370, respectively. Interestingly, the group which consumed the
most amount of feed had the least efficient feed conversion ratio.
As stated by Church (1991), an average feed conversion for meat-producing rabbits
should be 3:1 that is 3 kg of feed for each kg of live weight gain. Feed conversion decreases
with increase in age, especially after 10 weeks of age. Since the rabbits were just 50 days
of age, their feed conversion ratio was at optimum.
Table 2. Total gain in weight of the rabbits after 50 days of feeding
GAIN IN WEIGHT
TREATMENT
(kg)
TOTAL
DAILY
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
0.91a
0.0183a
perennial peanut + sweet potato
1.08a
0.0243b
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
0.99a
0.0200a
*Means with the same letter superscripts are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
** Means with the different letter superscripts are significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Table 3. Total feed intake of the rabbits
TREATMENT
FEED INTAKE
DRY
AS FED MATTER
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
10.51b
1.46c
perennial peanut + sweet potato
11.14a
1.82b
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
11.34a
1.98a
*Means with different letter superscripts are significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio of the rabbits at 50 days of age
TREATMENT
FEED CONVERSION RATIO
DRY
FRESH WEIGHT
MATTER
BASIS
BASIS
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
11.5172a
1.4463b
perennial peanut + sweet potato
10.4627a
1.7063ab
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
11.6627a
2.0370 a
**Means with different letter superscripts are significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
Results showed that rabbits given the combination of perennial peanut, kikuyu
grass and sweet potato consumed the amount of forage which is 1.98 kg dry matter and
11.34 kg fresh followed by rabbits given the combination of perennial peanut and sweet
potato and those given the combination of kikuyu grass and sweet potato with 1.82 kg
(11.14 fresh kg) and 1.46 kg (10.51 kg fresh) of dry matter, respectively.
The amount of green forages consumed by rabbits in the different treatments failed
to effect significant differences in their rate of growth as indicated by their parallel final
weight and gain in weight after seven weeks of feeding. However, the rabbits fed with a
combination of kikuyu grass and sweet potato had better efficiency based on feed
conversion ratio.
Conclusion
It is therefore concluded that rabbits fed with kikuyu grass and sweet potato had the
best performance among the treatments. However, it can also be stated that rabbits can be
given of perennial peanut, kikuyu grass and sweet potato without detrimental effect on
growth.
Recommendation
Based from the results of this study, rabbit raisers may use any combination of
kikuyu grass, perennial peanut and sweet potato without negative effect to the performance
of their animals.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
LITERATURE CITED
BOWMAN, A.M., et al, 1998. Evaluation of Perrenial Peanuts (Arachis spp) as Forage
on the New South Wales North Coast. Tropical Grasslands, 32,252-258.
CHURCH, D.C. 1986. Livestock Feeds and Feeding. 2nd edition. Published by Prentice
Hall. A division of Simon and Schuster, Inc. Engle Wood Cliffer NJ 07632.
CHURCH, D.C. 1991. Livestock Feeds and Feeding. 3rd edition. Prentice Hall, Engle
wood cliffs, New Jersey 07632.
FRONDA, F.M. 1972. Poultry Science and Production. G.M.S. Publishing Corp. Manila
P.64
MARIAS, J. P. 2001. Factors Affecting the Nutritive Value of Kikuyu Grass
(Pennisetum clandestinum) – A Review Tropical Grasslands. 35: 65-84.
PEREGRINE, P.A. 1973. Farm Animals. Hutchinson Educational LTD. N.Y. P122
SICWATEN, J. P. For the Health of the Nation go into Rabbit Production.P24-26.
TEMPLETON, G.S. 1968. Domestic Rabbit Production. Interstate Printers and Publishing
co. Inc, Danville, Illinois, P59
TUTTLE, W.W. et al., 1962. Textbook on Physiology. C.V. Mosby Company. Saint Luis.
P31
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. March 2012. The Growth Performance of New
Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed. Benguet State University, La Trinidad
Benguet.
Adviser: Madeline S. Kingan, MSc
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to find out the effect of different forages as feed supplement on
the growth of rabbits. Specifically, the study was conducted to determine the performance
of rabbit in terms of gain in weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio using selected
forages as feed.
Twelve one month old rabbit was used in the study. They were distributed randomly
into three treatments using the three different feedstuffs namely: perennial peanut, kikuyu
grass and sweet potato. They were assigned such that T1 was the combination of kikuyu
grass and sweet potato; T2 was the combination of perennial peanut and sweet potato; and
treatment 3 was the combination of the three feedstuffs. Results revealed that the rabbits
had no significant differences in terms of gain in weight despite the feed intake of the
rabbits fed with perennial peanut + sweet potato and the combination of the perennial
peanut, sweet potato and kikuyu grass being higher on dry matter and as fed basis. On feed
conversion ratio, the rabbits fed kikuyu grass and sweet potato had better efficiency than
those fed kikuyu grass, perennial peanut and sweet potato. Meanwhile, the feed conversion
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
ratio of the rabbits feed perennial peanut and sweet potato was homologous to either
groups.
Based on the findings, it is therefore concluded the best combination of forages is
perennial peanut, kikuyu and sweet potato. Rabbit raisers may feed these forages upon their
discretion.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
INTRODUCTION
Almost 400,000 rabbits were used in research projects in the United States during
1991. They have been used for the production of disease fighting antibodies, studies
reproduction and researches in several human diseases.
Rabbit is a non-ruminant herbivore, having an enlarged hind gut. This has
considerable influence on its ability to utilize feedstuffs and dietary nutrient requirements.
Rabbit stomach has a very low pH of about 1.6 which effectively kills ingested bacteria
(Church, 1986).
Rabbit raising is a small enterprise but it has several advantages over other
agricultural animals. It can easily be raised by anyone under any climatic condition. The
facilities take up a little space compared to other agricultural animals such as cattle and
hogs. They are also herbivores and can be fed with roughage diets. In developing countries,
rabbit production is of interest because low grain diets based on roughages and by products
can be used, so it is not directly competitive with human food needs. Rabbits are raised for
several purposes, including meat and fur production, as laboratory animals, for show
purposes, and as pets (Warren, 1995).
Additionally, raising rabbits are much cheaper, more efficient and more productive
than raising chickens. Rabbit meat contains 18% protein and 8% fat compared to the
protein and fat contents of pork and meat, thus, is a good source of protein for those who
are in low cholesterol diet. It was to these observation the this study was formulated to
evaluate possible feed combinations using available forages like kikuyu grass and perennial
peanut that are sometimes being under-utilized.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum is a rhizomatous plant, in the Poaceae (grass)
family, that has matted roots and a grass-like or herbaceous habit. Grass has high level of
non-protein nitrogen (Marias, 2001) and this can potentially lead to an over-estimation of
the available protein, as common analytical procedures for feedstuffs express the protein
content as a function of its nitrogen concentration.
Arachis pintoi ‘Golden Glory’ (perennial peanut, pinto peanut) is established
vegetative, with stolons or stem cuttings either sown directly or container grown and
transplanted. The flowers of golden glory have slightly shorter stalks. This plant can be
well eaten by all classes of animals, including chickens, ducks and pigs. Selected by cattle
if animal exposed to the legume previously. This plant has nutritive value of 13-25% crude
protein. 60-70% dry matter digestibility. It has relatively low level of condensed tannins
(Bowman et al, 1998).
Finally, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to
the family Convolvulaceae. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.
This plant is mainly fed to pigs in backyard raising. It can also be eaten by rabbits and
guinea pigs.
This study was conducted to determine the growth performance of rabbits fed with
different forages as feed supplement.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. determine the performance of rabbit in terms of gain in weight, feed conversion
ratio, and feed intake feed using selected forages as feed supplement; and
2. determine which treatment had the best performance in terms of feed conversion
ratio.
This study was conducted at the Benguet State University (BSU) Rabbitry House, Balili,
La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2011 to January 2012.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Rabbits have much better ability to digest and utilize the protein in forages such as
alfalfa meal. These animals adjust their feed intake to compensate for varying dietary
energy levels, so a specific energy requirement in kcal/kg diet is meaningful. With the
nature of the rabbit’s digestive tract, large volumes of feed can be consumed. Most rabbits
ration are low in digestible energy (DE) in comparison to diets for other non-ruminants. A
level of 2,500 kcal/kg of DE is satisfactory. Rabbit thus, seen to be adopted to use of high
roughage, low energy diets.
In addition, rabbit is a very efficient converter of low-cost raw material into
valuable, top quality meat product. The efficiency with which the production unit functions
is dependent upon the composition of raw material which is made available. Nutrients to
be given must include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Forages and roughages are the primary feedstuffs for all herbivorous animals. They
share the common property of being high in fiber and low in digestible energy. Harvested
and stored forages (hays, silage, and other forms) and other roughages provide energy and
other nutrients for animals from plants sources of limited or no value in human nutrition.
Roughages are of primary value for ruminants and for non-ruminants that depend on
fermentation of insoluble carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for most of their
energy supply. Most forage is provided either as harvested grass legumes or as pasture
(Cheeke, 1987).
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Fronda (1972) stated that the grasses contain appreciable amount of essential
nutrients and are rich in unknown factors. Providing roughages daily to animals will keep
them healthy, thereby reducing mortality.
Tuttle, et al., (1969) proved in their study that improper selection of the most
suitable feed combination caused malnutrition and even stunted growth. This was proven
by their study using the rat colony as the experimental animals.
Gillespie (2002) stated that fresh green feeds such as grasses, palatable weeds,
cereal grains and leafy vegetable crops may be fed. These feeds are high in vitamin,
minerals and proteins. They are of special value when feeding breeding animals.
Peregrine (1973) found out that grasses especially young ones are highly digestible
and are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins as well as fairly high in starch content. Thus,
they are recommended as good green feeds for the animals and a supplement to
concentrate.
Templeton (1968) stated that green feeds are rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins
especially vitamin A. These feeds are easily digested, beneficial in maintaining health and
vitality, and variety and may lower as feed cost.
Pond, et al., (1995) stated that rabbits are well suited to low-energy, fibrous
feedstuffs and are less well adapted to the utilization of high energy ingredient such as the
cereal grains. Thus fibrous ingredients such as alfalfa meal are typically the basis of rabbit
diets. Other dried herbage such as grass meal can also be used if available. For small scale
backyard rabbit raising, feeding greens such as grass vegetable tops, carrots and other
succulent feeds may be feasible, but is not practical on the commercial scale.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Church (1986) stated that various clovers can be used in place of alfalfa meal in rabbit
rations. Clovers are similar in composition to alfalfa meal, being good source of protein,
fat-soluble vitamins, calcium trace minerals and indigestible fiber. Also stated that
backyard rabbit raising on small scale, feeding of fresh greens can be advantageous. If
palatable greens are fed free choice, the amount of pellets offered can be reduced by about
half, with no adverse effect on performance. However, feeding green is sometime useful
in stimulating the appetite of animals that have gone off feed.
Church (1991) stated that growing rabbits of 5-10 weeks of age will have an
average daily dry feed consumption of 80-95g/kg body weight (2500kcal/kg). Feed
conversion ratio varies widely among rabbit’s breeds and managements. An average feed
conversion for meat-producing rabbits should be 3:1 that is 3 kg of feed for each kg of live
weight gain. Feed conversion decreases with increase in age, especially after 10 weeks of
age. For good economic return it is important to produce rabbits that reach slaughter weight
in the shortest time. Total feed utilized includes both feed consumed and feed efficiency.
A good efficiency and average daily gain can be obtained through the good animal genetic
selection, proper nutrition and health, good feeding practices and constant management
improvement.
Watson, et al., (1960) stated that rabbits will eat hay and dried grass with advantage
and small of silage may also be fed. Kikuyu leaf content of 9.2 MJ/kg ME, stem 7.4 MJ/kg
and crude protein leaf content of 21%, and 17% stem.
Generally, in case the commercial concentrates or home-mixed ingredients are not
available, green feeding composed of 50% legumes and 50% of other grasses will suffice
in providing a minimum dietary requirement especially for dry does and bucks. In addition,
forages greatly economize the amount of concentrate feed (Sicwaten, ND).
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Statistical Design and Treatment
Twelve one-month-old rabbits were used as experimental animals in the study.
Each rabbit was assigned at random into three treatments using completely randomized
design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times. The treatments are as follows.
T1 –50% kikuyu grass+ 50% camote
T2 –50% perennial peanut + 50% camote
T3 –25% perennial peanut + 25% kikuyu grass +50% camote
Housing, Feeding, and Care Management
The pens/cages were cleaned and disinfected one week before the study started.
The experimental animals were fed twice a day between 6:00 to 7:00 in the morning and
4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. Feeding management was done in two ways: interval feeding
and in between feeding. In such a way, that the roughages were given every morning and
afternoon feeding or the vice versa. Clean water was provided at all times. This was done
throughout the study. The roughages were washed thoroughly with clean water then air
dried for eight hours, weighed and recorded before giving to the animals. Cleaning of the
cages was done every before feeding. Cleanliness was observed.
Data Gathered
1. Initial weight (kg). This was obtained by weighing the animal at the start of the
study.
2. Final weight (kg). This was obtained by weighing the animal at the end of the
study.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
3. Feed offered (kg). This refers to the amount of the diet consumed by the animal.
4. Feed left-over (kg). This refers to the amount of diet/ration not consumed by the
animal.
5. Morbidity. This refers to the animals that got sick during the study.
6. Mortality. This refers to the animals that died during the study.
From the data to be gathered, the following were computed:
1. Feed intake (kg). This was taken by getting the difference between the amount
of feed offered and the amount of feed left-over.
2. Total gain in weight (kg). This computed by getting the difference between final
weight and initial weight.
3. Total feed consumption (kg). This computed by getting the sum of the amount
of feed consumed by the animals from the start to the end of the study.
4. Daily feed intake (kg). This was done by using the formula
`
Daily Feed Intake = Feed Intake
No. of Days on Test
5. Feed conversion ratio (%). This was computed using the formula
Feed conversion ratio = Total Feed Intake
Total Gain in Weight
6. Morbidity rate (%). This was taken by getting the quotient of the number of
animals that got sick by the total number of animals per replicate then multiplied by 100
%.
7. Mortality rate (%). This was taken by getting the quotient of the number of the
animals that died by the total number of replicate then multiplied by 100%.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Weight of the rabbits
Table 1 shows the initial weight and the final weight of rabbits in the different
treatments. It was observed that rabbits assigned in different treatments had almost the
same weight at the start of the study.
Final weight shown in Table 1 that rabbits fed with perennial peanut and sweet
potato as feed had the mean value of 1.49 kg as compared to rabbits fed with kikuyu grass
and sweet potato having 1.33 kg. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant
differences among different treatments.
Based on the result, it can be deduced that any of the combination of forages can
be produced the same effect in terms of body weights of rabbits. No advantage was seen
whether a two or three forage combination was fed.
Table 1. Weight of the rabbits at 30 and 50 days of age
TREATMENT
BODY WEIGHT (kg)
INITIAL
FINAL
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
0.41a
1.33a
perennial peanut + sweet potato
0.41a
1.49a
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
0.41a
1.40a
*Means with the same letter superscripts are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Gain in Weight
Although there were no statistical differences among treatment used, it is
interesting to note that rabbits fed with perennial peanut and sweet potato obtained the
higher numerical gain in weight with a mean of 1.08 kg. Rabbits given a combination of
kikuyu grass and sweet potato and the combination of kikuyu grass, perennial peanut and
sweet potato had means of 0.91, and 0.99 kg, respectively.
Based on findings, the gain in weight of the rabbits was not adversely affected by
any of the forage combinations. It may also prove that the different green feeds combined
had more or less the same effect.
Feed Intake
The green feeds of the rabbits in all treatments were given ad libitum. The rabbits
were allowed to eat as much as they could. The result showed that the different treatments
differed significantly in the amount of feed consumed. The control group given kikuyu
grass consumed the lowest amount of feed. In terms of dry matter basis, rabbits fed with
combination of perennial peanut, kikuyu grass and sweet potato had the mean value of 1.98
kg while as rabbits fed with kikuyu grass and sweet potato had the lowest mean value of
1.46 kg in terms of dry matter. Perennial peanut, being a high-protein feedstuff may have
enhanced the palatability of the feeds offered since it was observed that it was common in
the two treatments that has higher feed intake.
Based from this result, perennial peanut, kikuyu grass and sweet potato was the best
combination of green forages and it is the most palatable to rabbits while the combination
of kikuyu grass and sweet potato was the least palatable to rabbits.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Feed Conversion Ratio
The result showed that feed conversion of rabbits in the different treatments varied
significantly on dry matter feed basis. Rabbits fed with kikuyu grass and sweet potato had
the best conversion ratio of 1.4463, followed by rabbits fed with perennial peanut and sweet
potato and the rabbits fed with perennial peanut, sweet potato and kikuyu grass with mean
values of 1.7063 and 2.0370, respectively. Interestingly, the group which consumed the
most amount of feed had the least efficient feed conversion ratio.
As stated by Church (1991), an average feed conversion for meat-producing rabbits
should be 3:1 that is 3 kg of feed for each kg of live weight gain. Feed conversion decreases
with increase in age, especially after 10 weeks of age. Since the rabbits were just 50 days
of age, their feed conversion ratio was at optimum.
Table 2. Total gain in weight of the rabbits after 50 days of feeding
GAIN IN WEIGHT
TREATMENT
(kg)
TOTAL
DAILY
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
0.91a
0.0183a
perennial peanut + sweet potato
1.08a
0.0243b
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
0.99a
0.0200a
*Means with the same letter superscripts are not significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
** Means with the different letter superscripts are significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
Table 3. Total feed intake of the rabbits
TREATMENT
FEED INTAKE
DRY
AS FED MATTER
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
10.51b
1.46c
perennial peanut + sweet potato
11.14a
1.82b
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
11.34a
1.98a
*Means with different letter superscripts are significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio of the rabbits at 50 days of age
TREATMENT
FEED CONVERSION RATIO
DRY
FRESH WEIGHT
MATTER
BASIS
BASIS
kikuyu grass + sweet potato
11.5172a
1.4463b
perennial peanut + sweet potato
10.4627a
1.7063ab
kikuyu grass + perennial peanut + sweet potato
11.6627a
2.0370 a
**Means with different letter superscripts are significantly different at 5% level of
significance by DMRT.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
Results showed that rabbits given the combination of perennial peanut, kikuyu
grass and sweet potato consumed the amount of forage which is 1.98 kg dry matter and
11.34 kg fresh followed by rabbits given the combination of perennial peanut and sweet
potato and those given the combination of kikuyu grass and sweet potato with 1.82 kg
(11.14 fresh kg) and 1.46 kg (10.51 kg fresh) of dry matter, respectively.
The amount of green forages consumed by rabbits in the different treatments failed
to effect significant differences in their rate of growth as indicated by their parallel final
weight and gain in weight after seven weeks of feeding. However, the rabbits fed with a
combination of kikuyu grass and sweet potato had better efficiency based on feed
conversion ratio.
Conclusion
It is therefore concluded that rabbits fed with kikuyu grass and sweet potato had the
best performance among the treatments. However, it can also be stated that rabbits can be
given of perennial peanut, kikuyu grass and sweet potato without detrimental effect on
growth.
Recommendation
Based from the results of this study, rabbit raisers may use any combination of
kikuyu grass, perennial peanut and sweet potato without negative effect to the performance
of their animals.
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.
LITERATURE CITED
BOWMAN, A.M., et al, 1998. Evaluation of Perrenial Peanuts (Arachis spp) as Forage
on the New South Wales North Coast. Tropical Grasslands, 32,252-258.
CHURCH, D.C. 1986. Livestock Feeds and Feeding. 2nd edition. Published by Prentice
Hall. A division of Simon and Schuster, Inc. Engle Wood Cliffer NJ 07632.
CHURCH, D.C. 1991. Livestock Feeds and Feeding. 3rd edition. Prentice Hall, Engle
wood cliffs, New Jersey 07632.
FRONDA, F.M. 1972. Poultry Science and Production. G.M.S. Publishing Corp. Manila
P.64
MARIAS, J. P. 2001. Factors Affecting the Nutritive Value of Kikuyu Grass
(Pennisetum clandestinum) – A Review Tropical Grasslands. 35: 65-84.
PEREGRINE, P.A. 1973. Farm Animals. Hutchinson Educational LTD. N.Y. P122
SICWATEN, J. P. For the Health of the Nation go into Rabbit Production.P24-26.
TEMPLETON, G.S. 1968. Domestic Rabbit Production. Interstate Printers and Publishing
co. Inc, Danville, Illinois, P59
TUTTLE, W.W. et al., 1962. Textbook on Physiology. C.V. Mosby Company. Saint Luis.
P31
The Growth Performance of New Zealand Rabbit Fed with Different Forages as Feed
ABLAYAN, VELAMIE A. MARCH 2012.