BIBLIOGRAPHY SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012. Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New
Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages as Basal Diet. Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Sonwright B. Maddul, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted at the Animal Generic Resources (TANGERE) Project
at Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet to determine the slaughter traits of the
experimental rabbits in terms of dressing percentage, and percentage of offals. It also aimed
to find out the meat traits of the rabbits in terms of proximate composition.
The dietary treatments involved are: galinsoga, talinum, and kangkong.
Results showed that kangkong as basal diet to rabbits produced the best carcass
quality and highest dressing percentage. Galinsoga and kangkong resulted in higher
percentage of skin and head than talinum. Except for lungs, internal offals were not
significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The carcass length was significantly higher
in rabbits fed with galinsoga and kangkong. Crude protein was similar in all treatments.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) raising is already practiced in the Philippines and
other developing counties. Households started to make use of the rabbit as farm animal for
fur and meat. Rabbits can also be used as pets or biochemical research as laboratory
animals. The importance and usefulness of rabbits to man could be due to the fact that
almost all parts of the animal’s body are useful for human use and consumption. In almost
every rural house hold in the Philippines, rabbit raising is a very popular enterprise such
that there is proliferation of backyard producers which dominates rabbit production. As a
secondary source of income for families, rabbit raising is a home- based business in the
Philippines which has the potential for high profits in a relatively short period of time.
Rabbit production offers great potential as means of converting tropical forages and
agricultural by-products to human food. Practically, rabbits can be fed anything from the
garden, forest or kitchen including banana and papaya (paw paw) peels, pineapple cores,
corn stalks, weeds, vines from pulses, leaves (cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, carrots etc.)
(Moreki, 2007).
The study was conducted to come out with the data on the carcass and meat
characteristics of New Zealand White rabbits fed with fodder trees and herbs. The results
of this study can help or serve as a guide for rabbit raisers in using fodder trees and herbs
for animals.
Studying rabbit generally is a very important aspect for people who want to learn
or gain more knowledge on rabbit husbandry especially on veterinarians and animal
science students and pet owners.
In addition, it can help vegetable farmers because they can utilize the galinsoga
weeds which compete on growing crops as feeds to their rabbits and also utilize the leaves
of ipil-ipil, malunggay, talinum and kangkong.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
The general objective of this study is to determine the carcass yield and carcass and
meat characteristics of New Zealand White rabbits fed with local forages as basal diet.
Specifically, this study aimed to determine the slaughter traits of the experimental
rabbits in terms of dressing percentage, and percentage of offals, and find out the meat
traits of the rabbits in terms of proximate composition.
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project at
Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet on December 2011.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Most animal feeds are coming from plants like fodder tree leaves such as mango
and ipil-ipil. Herbs are also being given to animals as feeds. It is a garden plant that are
grown and harvested for culinary, aromatic and medicinal uses. Fodder or animal feeds is
any feedstuff that is used specifically to feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats,
sheep, horses, chickens, rabbits and pigs. It includes hay, straw, silage, compressed and
pellet feeds oils and mixed rations, and also sprouted grains and legumes.
According to Ishida (2000), the leaf meal has a high protein content of between 26
to 33%, with high amino acid score. It has good mineral profile and vitamins such as A,
B2, C and E. The leaves of plants have been used in the tropics as a cheap protein sources
in ruminant feeds.
Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
According to Damalas (2008), Galinsoga parviflora is an annual dicot species of
the family Asteraceae, is a common herb that is often found in disturbed habitats and
agricultural areas in many parts of the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. .
Galinsoga parviflora is considered to be a common weed in several crops of major
importance, such as wheat, corn, cotton, tobacco, sugar beet, tomato, pepper, potato, bean,
onion, cabbage and others. It is frequently found in gardens and uncultivated areas.
Galinsoga parviflora competes strongly, particularly with irrigated crops of short height,
and it might also hinder crop harvest.
Galinsoga parviflora contains 88.4 g water, 653 KJ energy, 3.2g protein, 0.4g fat,
5.2g carbohydrates, and 1.1g fiber for every 100 g of its edible portion (Grubben et al,
2004). The leaves of gallant soldier contain per 100 g edible portion: water 88.4 g, energy
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
653 kJ (156 kcal), protein 3.2 g, fat 0.4 g, carbohydrate 5.2 g, fibre 1.1 g, Ca 284 mg, Mg
60 mg, P 58 mg, Fe 5.3 mg, Zn 1.3 mg, carotene 4 mg, thiamin 0.08 mg, riboflavin 0.21
mg, niacin 1.21 mg, ascorbic acid 6.7 mg (Wehmeijer, A.S. & Rose, E.F., 1983). The plant
is grazed by livestock and used as a feed for chicken, rabbits and pigs (Schippers, 2004).
Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
Schippers (2004) said that waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is a non-conventional
vegetable crop of the Portulacea family which originated from tropical Africa and is
widely grown in West Africa, Asia, and South America.
Iheukwumere (2008) stated that the average litter sizes at birth weaning weight
were similar (P > 0.05) between 40:60 (40% Talinum Triangulare + 60 % Forage) and
60:40 (60% Talinum Triangulare and 40% Forage) combinations but, they differed
significantly (P < 0.05) from 20:80 and 80:20 concentrate and forage combinations.
However, 20:80 diets differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 80:20 diet combinations. In
terms of average litter weight gain the combination of 60% Talinum triangulare + 40%
forage attened the highest followed by 80:20 concentrate. From the economic stand point,
therefore, diet with 60:40 concentrate and forage combinations could be considered
optimum, based on result on litter sizes, litter weight at weaning and mortality.
Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)
Cook et al (2005) stated that Leuaena is a fast growing, evergreen, thorn less shrub,
reaching 5m to 20 m the Hawaiian type (FAO, 2001). Leucaena is a long lived perennial
legume. It has a deep taproot and is highly branced. Leaves are bipinnate, bearing numerous
leaflet 8mm to 16 mm long.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Mutayoba et al, (2003) said that based on analysis the crude protein and crude fiber
of leucaena leaf meal is 20.6 and 18.9% respectively, whereas the nitrogen free extract was
only 34.6 %. Leucaena leaf meal contained about 16.5MJ dry matter gross energy. The
result of the study in terms of growth rates of birds declined as the leucaena leaf meal
levels increased in the diet. The highest overall gain was observed in birds fed with
optimum energy 0% LLM diet and the lowest in birds fed the high-energy 20%LLM.
Overall feed intake decreased with increasing LL% in both energy levels, the rate of decline
being highest in birds given high energy and high 20% LLM diets. The feed conversion
increased with increasing LLM levels in the diets at both energy levels. Carcass weight
declined with increase in LLM. There is no difference in carcass weight between energy
levels.
Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
The final live weight and daily gain of rabbit is higher when fed 50% and 75%
water spinach leaves compared to rabbits fed with para grass alone and 25% water spinach
leaves. Therefore, it was concluded that levels from 50% to 75% of water spinach leaves
supplemented to para grass diets give higher economic benefits for small farmers (Kim
Dong et al, 2008).
In rabbits fed a concentrate diet, fresh sweet potato vines resulted in a slightly lower
intake and daily gain (21.1 g/day) than water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). The best
performances were obtained when adding Guinea grass (Megathyrsusmaximus) to sweet
potato vines, water spinach or a mixture of both forages, though the digestibility of the
diets was lower (Doan Thi Gang, 2006).It may be fed fresh, dried or ensiled, and makes
make a very palatable silage with a pleasant fruity smell (Lebot, 2009).
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)
The slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage
increased numerically as the Moringa leaf meal level was increased in the diet. There was
a significant positive correlation between slaughter weight and dress weight (r=0.9306,
P<0.05). Similarly, the slaughter weight correlated positively with dressing percentage
(r=0.5365, P<0.05). The moringa leaf meal improved meat quality by increasing the
(p<0.01) protein content and reducing (p<0.01)fat level in the meat (Nuhu, 2010).
Tedonkeng et al, (2005) stated that the result of his study showed that multi-
nutrients blocks had a high value of protein which is 37.4% compared to moringa oleifera
which is 26.37%. Moringa oleifera was richer in cellulose (19.16%) than multi-nutrients
(4.76%). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between weights of the females
before birth. The weight of the young group supplemented with multi-nutrients blocks was
statistically higher (P>0.05) than those of the other groups.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The materials that were used in the experiment include 36 New Zealand White
mature rabbits, weighing scale, cages, crocks for drinking water, record book and different
fodder tree leaves and herbs to be tested.
Methods
The completely randomized design of an experiment was used. A total of 12
experimental rabbits were involved using the same animals from the feeding trial fed with
the following forages:
T1= Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora) (control)
T2= Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T3= Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
To lessen variation, the test foliages were obtained from the same source or origin.
Only part of foliage that seemed to be preferred by rabbits was gradually increased each
week. Body weight was measured at the start and end of the experiment and at weekly
intervals.
Each individual rabbit was fed twice a day with 300 g of feedstuffs at 7:30 am and
4:30 pm. Water was available at all times in an earthen jar. The study was focused on the
slaughter and meat characteristics of experimental rabbits.
All experimental animals were slaughtered following the prescribed slaughtering
procedures. Approved practices in slaughtering rabbits include the following:
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
1. Stunning. This is the process of making the animals unconscious, prior to
bleeding. A rabbit was held at the small of the back with its head down. A metal was used
to strike at the center of the skull with a strong blow.
2. Hoisting. The unconscious rabbit is suspended with a hook inserted between the
achilles tendon and the tibia or bone above the hock in both hind legs. The rabbit is hoisted
facing the butcher.
3. Bleeding. A cut is made at the neck immediately behind the head to drain the
blood from the carotid artery.
4. Skinning. Ripping cuts are made on the skin around the hock joints of both
suspended hind legs. From the cuts, a slit is made down the hocks at the inside of the thighs
to the anus and genitals. The tail is cut at the base and also the front legs at the carpal point.
With two hands, the skin is pulled down the carcass.
5. Evisceration. This involves the opening of carcass up to the complete removal of
the internal organs from the body cavity.
6. Fabrication. This is the cutting of the carcass into wholesale portions such as
neck, front quarter, back and hind quarter.
Data to be Gathered:
1. Slaughter Data
1.1. Slaughter weight (kg). This is obtained by weighing the animals prior
to slaughter using a weighing scale.
1.2. Skin weight (g). This is the weight of the pelt.
1.3. External offals (g). This is the weight of the head and four legs weighed
individually.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
2. Carcass Data
2.1. Carcass weight (kg). This is the weight of the carcass without the head,
feet and the entrails.
2.2. Carcass length (cm). This is taken by measuring from the first rib to the
base of the tail on the suspended carcass in centimetres.
2.3. Internal offals. The individual weight of the heart, lungs, kidney, liver,
gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), and blood.
3. Meat Data
3.1. Proximate composition. The amount of moisture, crude protein, fat, ash,
energy, and carbohydrates were analyzed at the Regional Standard and Testing laboratory
of the DOST-CAR
Data to be Computed:
Dressing Percentage = Carcass Weight X 100
Slaughter Weight
Statistical Analysis of Data
All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a completely
Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used
to compare treatment means.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Slaughter Weight, Carcass Weight
and Dressing Percentage
Table 1 shows the mean slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage
of the rabbits as affected by the different treatments.
In the slaughter weight, rabbits given with kangkong have the heaviest mean of
2.08 while the rabbits given with galinsoga have a mean of 1.94 and the rabbits given with
talinum have a mean of 1.58. In terms of carcass weight, rabbits given with kangkong have
the heaviest mean of 1.02 and the rabbits given galinsoga have a mean of 0.92 while the
rabbits given with talinum have a mean of 0.66. Also in the carcass weight, rabbits fed with
kangkong have the best carcass quality and meat has less fat. These means that slaughter
weight and carcass weight of the different treatments are significantly different as revealed
by the statistical analysis which implies that the different treatments have high differences
to each other.
This result supports Kim Dong (2008) who stated that final live weight and daily
gain of rabbit is higher when fed water spinach leaves compared to rabbits fed with para
grass alone.
On the dressing percentage, rabbits given kangkong have a dressing percentage of
49.03 while the rabbits given with galinsoga have a dressing percentage of 46.98 and the
one given with talinum has a dressing percentage of 42.14. The rabbits supplemented with
kangkong have the heaviest dressing percentage.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Mean slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage
TREATMENTS
SLAUGHTER
CARCASS
DRESSING
WEIGHT (kg)
WEIGHT (kg)
PERCENTAGE
(%)
Galinsoga
1.94ab
0.92a
46.98ab
Talinum
1.58b
0.66b
42.14b
Kangkong
2.08a
1.02a
49.03a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
Statistical analysis revealed that the treatments are significantly different in terms
of dressing percentage. This implies that the rabbits have high difference in dressing
percentage.
Percentage of the Skin and External Offals
Table 2 presents the percentage of the skin and external offals as affected by the
different treatments.
In the percentage of the skin, rabbits given kangkong have a percentage of 9.83
while the rabbit given with talinum has a percentage of 9.41 and the one given with
galinsoga has a percentage of 8.63. In the percentage of the head, rabbits given with talinum
have a percentage of 9.89, while the rabbits given with kangkong have a percentage of
9.10, and the rabbits given with galinsoga have a percentage of 8.84.
On the front and hind legs percentage, it is observed that there are similarities which
mean that these are not significant to each other and less comparable.
These table shows that there are differences that are observed, statistical analysis
revealed that there is 1 significant and 2 not significant differences between treatments in
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Mean percentage of the skin and external offals (%)
TREATMENTS SKIN HEAD FRONT LEGS HIND LEGS
Galinsoga
8.63ab 8.84ab
0.67a
1.75a
Talinum
9.41b 9.89b
0.84a
2.02a
Kangkong
9.83a 9.10a
0.71a
1.85a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
the external offals. These shows that rabbits fed with these two selected feedstuffs talinum
and kangkong are comparable to each other.
It reveals that feeding talinum and kangkong into the rabbits slightly affect the
weights of the skin but not the external offals.
Internal Offals of Rabbit
Table 3 shows the mean weight of the internal offals of rabbits as affected by the
different treatments.
Rabbits given with talinum have mean weight of 7.75 in terms of the heart while
the rabbits given with galinsoga and kangkong have the same weight of 7.25. On the weight
of the lungs, the rabbit given with kangkong have the heaviest mean weight of 9.75 while
the one given with galinsoga have a mean of 9.5 and the rabbits given with talinum have a
mean of 8.25.
In the weight of the kidney, rabbits fed with galinsoga have a mean of 14.25 and
the rabbits fed with kangkong have a mean weight of 13.0 and the rabbits given with
talinum have a mean of 12.25. In terms of the live weight the rabbits given with galinsoga
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
have the heaviest mean of 57.00, the rabbits given with kangkong have a mean weight
51.50 and the rabbits given with talinum have a mean of 49.5.
On the weight of the full GIT , the rabbits fed with kangkong has a mean of 414.50
which is the heaviest while the rabbits fed with talinum has a mean of 413.25 and the
rabbits fed with galinsoga has a mean weight of 408.25. In the weight of empty GIT, the
rabbit given with kangkong has a mean weight of 160.50, the rabbits given with galinsoga
have a mean of 150.25 and the rabbits given with talinum have a mean weight of 148.25.
In terms of the weight of the blood, the rabbits given with kangkong have the
heaviest mean weight of 40.75 followed by the rabbits given with galinsoga with a mean
of 39 and the rabbits given with talinum have a mean of 30.75.
The mean of the internal offals of the different treatments are not significantly
different except the lungs which is significant as revealed by the statistical analysis. These
means that rabbits fed with these feedstuffs do not adversely affect the weight of the
internal offals. These reveals that rabbits fed with these different feedstuffs are comparable
to each other.
Table 3. Mean weight of the internal offals (g)
TREATMENTS HEART LUNGS KIDNEY LIVER
GIT
GIT
BLOOD
W/
Empty
Full
Galinsoga
7.25a
9.50a 14.25a 57.00a
150.25a 39.00a
408.25a
Talinum
7.75a
8.25b 12.25a 49.50a
148.25a 30.75a
413.25a
Kangkong
7.25a 9.75a
13.00a 51.50a
160.50a 40.75a
414.50a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Carcass Length of Rabbits
Table 4 shows the mean carcass length of the slaughtered rabbits as affected by the
different treatments.
This shows that rabbits given kangkong have the heaviest mean of 31 while the
rabbits given talinum have a mean of 29.38 and the rabbits given galinsoga have a mean of
27.63. Statistical analysis revealed that the treatments are significantly different in terms
of carcass length.
As shown in the table, the carcass length of the rabbits fed with kangkong has the
longest carcass measurement which means that water spinach is good to rabbits for better
carcass measurement, carcass weight, and gain in weight which is proven in table 1 and
the previous study of Kim Dong (2008).
Meat Composition of Experimental Rabbits
Table 5 presents the proximate analysis of the breast part of the rabbit meat samples
as analyzed at the (DOST-CAR) Department of Science and Technology Laboratory, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Table 4. Mean carcass length
TREATMENTS
LENGTH
(cm)
Galinsoga
27.63b
Talinum
29.38ab
Kangkong
31.00a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Table 5. Proximate analysis of rabbit meat samples
TEST
T1
T2
T3
GALINSOGA
TALINUM
KANGKONG
Ash (%)
1.25
1.16
0.97
Carbohydrate (%)
0
0
0
Crude Fat (%)
0.54
0.05
9.82
Crude Protein (%)
23.89
22.55
23.21
Moisture (%)
74.35
77.16
70.26
Energy (kcal/150g)
100
91
181
Percent ash. The gravimetric method was used in obtaining the ash percentage of
the meat samples of the different treatments.
The ash content of the meat samples obtained from the rabbit given Galinsoga is
the highest having a percentage of 1.25 while the meat sample that given Talinum has a
percentage of 1.16 and the one given kangkong have the lowest percentage of 0.97.
Crude fat. Table 5 shows the crude fat contents of the meat samples derived from
the rabbits under the different treatments. A high different was observed between the crude
fat of the meat samples derived from the birds given kangkong compared to the crude fat
of the meat samples derived from the rabbits given Galinsoga and Talinum. These mean
that Kangkong increases the crude fat level of rabbit meat compared to Galinsoga and
Talinum.
Crude protein. As shown in Table 5, the crude protein of the meat samples of the
different treatments has a little difference. The meat sample from the rabbits given
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Galinsoga has the highest percentage of crude protein which is 23.89 while the rabbits
given Kangkong has a crude protein percentage of 23.21 and the meat sample from the
rabbits given with Talinum have the lowest percentage of 22.55.
The Crude protein of the different meat samples was obtained using the Kjeldahl
method.
Moisture content. Oven method was used in obtaining the moisture content of the
different meat samples of the different treatments.
Table 5 shows the moisture content of the meat samples obtained from the rabbits
given talinum which has the highest percentage of 77.16 and the meat samples from the
rabbits given galinsoga has a percentage of 74.35 while the meat samples from the rabbits
given kangkong has the lowest percentage of 70.26.
Energy. The energy content of the meat samples derived from the rabbits seem to
be more or less different. The meat samples from the rabbits given kangkong gave an
energy content of 181 kcal, while the meat sample from the rabbits given galinsoga has
energy content of 100 kcal, and the meat sample from the rabbits given talinum has energy
content of 90 kcal.
As observed in Table 5, the higher the fat content of the meat the energy is also
higher which means that the fat is the one that affects the percentage of the energy on the
meat.
Statistical analysis revealed that carbohydrate is absent in the meat samples of the
rabbits.
All the results of the data from percent ash to moisture content were obtained from
breast part of rabbit meat samples having a weight of 150 grams.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the carcass and meat characteristics of New
Zealand White rabbits fed with local forages as basal diet. It was conducted at the Animal
Generic Resources (TANGERE) Project at Bectey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet on
December 2011. The treatments used are the following: Galinsoga Parviflora (control),
Talinum, and Kangkong. The treatments were replicated four times. Twelve rabbits were
used in the study using Completely Randomized Design (CRD).
Results of the study showed that rabbits fed with kangkong recorded the heaviest
slaughter weight and carcass weight of 2.08 kg and 1.02 kg respectively. Also, the rabbits
fed with kangkong had the highest dressing percentage of 49.03. Statistical analysis
revealed that there are three significant and two not significant results in the slaughter data.
Carcass data has two significant and seven not significant results. This means that most of
the data are comparable to each other.
Conclusion
Based on the results, it could be concluded that kangkong as basal diet for rabbits
resulted to higher dressing percentage.
Recommendation
Kangkong as basal diet to rabbits is recommended for heavier and better slaughter
and carcass weight among rabbits.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
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Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
MUTAYOBA, S.K., M.B. MUTAYOBA and P. OKOT, 2003.The performance of
growing pullets fed diets with varying energy and leucaena leaf meal levels.
Livestock Research for Rural Development 15 (8). Retrieved Septemdber 3, 2011,
from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd15/8/muta158.htm
NUHU, F. 2010 Effect of moringa leaf meal on nutrient digestability, growth, carcass and
bood indices of weaner rabbits.
http://dspace.knust.edu.gh:8080/jspui/bitstream/123456789/337/1/Binder1.pdf
SCHIPPERS, R.R., 2004. Galinsoga parviflora Cav. In: Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A.
(Editors). PROTA 2: Vegetables/Légumes. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen,
Netherlands. http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Galinsoga%20parviflora_En.htm
TEDONKENG, P. E. , A.T. NIBA, F.A. FONTEH, F. TEDONKENG, J.R. KANA, B.
BOUKILA and J. TSACHOUNG .2005.Effect of supplementation with
MoringaOleifera or multi-nutritional blocks on post-partum weight and pre-
weaning growth of guinea pigs (caxiaporcellus L.)Livestock Research for Rural
Development.Volume 17, Art.#46. Retrieved September 3, 2011 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd17/4/tedo17046.htm
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012. Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New
Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages as Basal Diet. Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Sonwright B. Maddul, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted at the Animal Generic Resources (TANGERE) Project
at Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet to determine the slaughter traits of the
experimental rabbits in terms of dressing percentage, and percentage of offals. It also aimed
to find out the meat traits of the rabbits in terms of proximate composition.
The dietary treatments involved are: galinsoga, talinum, and kangkong.
Results showed that kangkong as basal diet to rabbits produced the best carcass
quality and highest dressing percentage. Galinsoga and kangkong resulted in higher
percentage of skin and head than talinum. Except for lungs, internal offals were not
significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The carcass length was significantly higher
in rabbits fed with galinsoga and kangkong. Crude protein was similar in all treatments.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) raising is already practiced in the Philippines and
other developing counties. Households started to make use of the rabbit as farm animal for
fur and meat. Rabbits can also be used as pets or biochemical research as laboratory
animals. The importance and usefulness of rabbits to man could be due to the fact that
almost all parts of the animal’s body are useful for human use and consumption. In almost
every rural house hold in the Philippines, rabbit raising is a very popular enterprise such
that there is proliferation of backyard producers which dominates rabbit production. As a
secondary source of income for families, rabbit raising is a home- based business in the
Philippines which has the potential for high profits in a relatively short period of time.
Rabbit production offers great potential as means of converting tropical forages and
agricultural by-products to human food. Practically, rabbits can be fed anything from the
garden, forest or kitchen including banana and papaya (paw paw) peels, pineapple cores,
corn stalks, weeds, vines from pulses, leaves (cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, carrots etc.)
(Moreki, 2007).
The study was conducted to come out with the data on the carcass and meat
characteristics of New Zealand White rabbits fed with fodder trees and herbs. The results
of this study can help or serve as a guide for rabbit raisers in using fodder trees and herbs
for animals.
Studying rabbit generally is a very important aspect for people who want to learn
or gain more knowledge on rabbit husbandry especially on veterinarians and animal
science students and pet owners.
In addition, it can help vegetable farmers because they can utilize the galinsoga
weeds which compete on growing crops as feeds to their rabbits and also utilize the leaves
of ipil-ipil, malunggay, talinum and kangkong.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
The general objective of this study is to determine the carcass yield and carcass and
meat characteristics of New Zealand White rabbits fed with local forages as basal diet.
Specifically, this study aimed to determine the slaughter traits of the experimental
rabbits in terms of dressing percentage, and percentage of offals, and find out the meat
traits of the rabbits in terms of proximate composition.
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project at
Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet on December 2011.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Most animal feeds are coming from plants like fodder tree leaves such as mango
and ipil-ipil. Herbs are also being given to animals as feeds. It is a garden plant that are
grown and harvested for culinary, aromatic and medicinal uses. Fodder or animal feeds is
any feedstuff that is used specifically to feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats,
sheep, horses, chickens, rabbits and pigs. It includes hay, straw, silage, compressed and
pellet feeds oils and mixed rations, and also sprouted grains and legumes.
According to Ishida (2000), the leaf meal has a high protein content of between 26
to 33%, with high amino acid score. It has good mineral profile and vitamins such as A,
B2, C and E. The leaves of plants have been used in the tropics as a cheap protein sources
in ruminant feeds.
Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
According to Damalas (2008), Galinsoga parviflora is an annual dicot species of
the family Asteraceae, is a common herb that is often found in disturbed habitats and
agricultural areas in many parts of the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. .
Galinsoga parviflora is considered to be a common weed in several crops of major
importance, such as wheat, corn, cotton, tobacco, sugar beet, tomato, pepper, potato, bean,
onion, cabbage and others. It is frequently found in gardens and uncultivated areas.
Galinsoga parviflora competes strongly, particularly with irrigated crops of short height,
and it might also hinder crop harvest.
Galinsoga parviflora contains 88.4 g water, 653 KJ energy, 3.2g protein, 0.4g fat,
5.2g carbohydrates, and 1.1g fiber for every 100 g of its edible portion (Grubben et al,
2004). The leaves of gallant soldier contain per 100 g edible portion: water 88.4 g, energy
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
653 kJ (156 kcal), protein 3.2 g, fat 0.4 g, carbohydrate 5.2 g, fibre 1.1 g, Ca 284 mg, Mg
60 mg, P 58 mg, Fe 5.3 mg, Zn 1.3 mg, carotene 4 mg, thiamin 0.08 mg, riboflavin 0.21
mg, niacin 1.21 mg, ascorbic acid 6.7 mg (Wehmeijer, A.S. & Rose, E.F., 1983). The plant
is grazed by livestock and used as a feed for chicken, rabbits and pigs (Schippers, 2004).
Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
Schippers (2004) said that waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is a non-conventional
vegetable crop of the Portulacea family which originated from tropical Africa and is
widely grown in West Africa, Asia, and South America.
Iheukwumere (2008) stated that the average litter sizes at birth weaning weight
were similar (P > 0.05) between 40:60 (40% Talinum Triangulare + 60 % Forage) and
60:40 (60% Talinum Triangulare and 40% Forage) combinations but, they differed
significantly (P < 0.05) from 20:80 and 80:20 concentrate and forage combinations.
However, 20:80 diets differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 80:20 diet combinations. In
terms of average litter weight gain the combination of 60% Talinum triangulare + 40%
forage attened the highest followed by 80:20 concentrate. From the economic stand point,
therefore, diet with 60:40 concentrate and forage combinations could be considered
optimum, based on result on litter sizes, litter weight at weaning and mortality.
Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)
Cook et al (2005) stated that Leuaena is a fast growing, evergreen, thorn less shrub,
reaching 5m to 20 m the Hawaiian type (FAO, 2001). Leucaena is a long lived perennial
legume. It has a deep taproot and is highly branced. Leaves are bipinnate, bearing numerous
leaflet 8mm to 16 mm long.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Mutayoba et al, (2003) said that based on analysis the crude protein and crude fiber
of leucaena leaf meal is 20.6 and 18.9% respectively, whereas the nitrogen free extract was
only 34.6 %. Leucaena leaf meal contained about 16.5MJ dry matter gross energy. The
result of the study in terms of growth rates of birds declined as the leucaena leaf meal
levels increased in the diet. The highest overall gain was observed in birds fed with
optimum energy 0% LLM diet and the lowest in birds fed the high-energy 20%LLM.
Overall feed intake decreased with increasing LL% in both energy levels, the rate of decline
being highest in birds given high energy and high 20% LLM diets. The feed conversion
increased with increasing LLM levels in the diets at both energy levels. Carcass weight
declined with increase in LLM. There is no difference in carcass weight between energy
levels.
Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
The final live weight and daily gain of rabbit is higher when fed 50% and 75%
water spinach leaves compared to rabbits fed with para grass alone and 25% water spinach
leaves. Therefore, it was concluded that levels from 50% to 75% of water spinach leaves
supplemented to para grass diets give higher economic benefits for small farmers (Kim
Dong et al, 2008).
In rabbits fed a concentrate diet, fresh sweet potato vines resulted in a slightly lower
intake and daily gain (21.1 g/day) than water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). The best
performances were obtained when adding Guinea grass (Megathyrsusmaximus) to sweet
potato vines, water spinach or a mixture of both forages, though the digestibility of the
diets was lower (Doan Thi Gang, 2006).It may be fed fresh, dried or ensiled, and makes
make a very palatable silage with a pleasant fruity smell (Lebot, 2009).
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)
The slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage
increased numerically as the Moringa leaf meal level was increased in the diet. There was
a significant positive correlation between slaughter weight and dress weight (r=0.9306,
P<0.05). Similarly, the slaughter weight correlated positively with dressing percentage
(r=0.5365, P<0.05). The moringa leaf meal improved meat quality by increasing the
(p<0.01) protein content and reducing (p<0.01)fat level in the meat (Nuhu, 2010).
Tedonkeng et al, (2005) stated that the result of his study showed that multi-
nutrients blocks had a high value of protein which is 37.4% compared to moringa oleifera
which is 26.37%. Moringa oleifera was richer in cellulose (19.16%) than multi-nutrients
(4.76%). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between weights of the females
before birth. The weight of the young group supplemented with multi-nutrients blocks was
statistically higher (P>0.05) than those of the other groups.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The materials that were used in the experiment include 36 New Zealand White
mature rabbits, weighing scale, cages, crocks for drinking water, record book and different
fodder tree leaves and herbs to be tested.
Methods
The completely randomized design of an experiment was used. A total of 12
experimental rabbits were involved using the same animals from the feeding trial fed with
the following forages:
T1= Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora) (control)
T2= Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T3= Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
To lessen variation, the test foliages were obtained from the same source or origin.
Only part of foliage that seemed to be preferred by rabbits was gradually increased each
week. Body weight was measured at the start and end of the experiment and at weekly
intervals.
Each individual rabbit was fed twice a day with 300 g of feedstuffs at 7:30 am and
4:30 pm. Water was available at all times in an earthen jar. The study was focused on the
slaughter and meat characteristics of experimental rabbits.
All experimental animals were slaughtered following the prescribed slaughtering
procedures. Approved practices in slaughtering rabbits include the following:
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
1. Stunning. This is the process of making the animals unconscious, prior to
bleeding. A rabbit was held at the small of the back with its head down. A metal was used
to strike at the center of the skull with a strong blow.
2. Hoisting. The unconscious rabbit is suspended with a hook inserted between the
achilles tendon and the tibia or bone above the hock in both hind legs. The rabbit is hoisted
facing the butcher.
3. Bleeding. A cut is made at the neck immediately behind the head to drain the
blood from the carotid artery.
4. Skinning. Ripping cuts are made on the skin around the hock joints of both
suspended hind legs. From the cuts, a slit is made down the hocks at the inside of the thighs
to the anus and genitals. The tail is cut at the base and also the front legs at the carpal point.
With two hands, the skin is pulled down the carcass.
5. Evisceration. This involves the opening of carcass up to the complete removal of
the internal organs from the body cavity.
6. Fabrication. This is the cutting of the carcass into wholesale portions such as
neck, front quarter, back and hind quarter.
Data to be Gathered:
1. Slaughter Data
1.1. Slaughter weight (kg). This is obtained by weighing the animals prior
to slaughter using a weighing scale.
1.2. Skin weight (g). This is the weight of the pelt.
1.3. External offals (g). This is the weight of the head and four legs weighed
individually.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
2. Carcass Data
2.1. Carcass weight (kg). This is the weight of the carcass without the head,
feet and the entrails.
2.2. Carcass length (cm). This is taken by measuring from the first rib to the
base of the tail on the suspended carcass in centimetres.
2.3. Internal offals. The individual weight of the heart, lungs, kidney, liver,
gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), and blood.
3. Meat Data
3.1. Proximate composition. The amount of moisture, crude protein, fat, ash,
energy, and carbohydrates were analyzed at the Regional Standard and Testing laboratory
of the DOST-CAR
Data to be Computed:
Dressing Percentage = Carcass Weight X 100
Slaughter Weight
Statistical Analysis of Data
All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a completely
Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used
to compare treatment means.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Slaughter Weight, Carcass Weight
and Dressing Percentage
Table 1 shows the mean slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage
of the rabbits as affected by the different treatments.
In the slaughter weight, rabbits given with kangkong have the heaviest mean of
2.08 while the rabbits given with galinsoga have a mean of 1.94 and the rabbits given with
talinum have a mean of 1.58. In terms of carcass weight, rabbits given with kangkong have
the heaviest mean of 1.02 and the rabbits given galinsoga have a mean of 0.92 while the
rabbits given with talinum have a mean of 0.66. Also in the carcass weight, rabbits fed with
kangkong have the best carcass quality and meat has less fat. These means that slaughter
weight and carcass weight of the different treatments are significantly different as revealed
by the statistical analysis which implies that the different treatments have high differences
to each other.
This result supports Kim Dong (2008) who stated that final live weight and daily
gain of rabbit is higher when fed water spinach leaves compared to rabbits fed with para
grass alone.
On the dressing percentage, rabbits given kangkong have a dressing percentage of
49.03 while the rabbits given with galinsoga have a dressing percentage of 46.98 and the
one given with talinum has a dressing percentage of 42.14. The rabbits supplemented with
kangkong have the heaviest dressing percentage.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Mean slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage
TREATMENTS
SLAUGHTER
CARCASS
DRESSING
WEIGHT (kg)
WEIGHT (kg)
PERCENTAGE
(%)
Galinsoga
1.94ab
0.92a
46.98ab
Talinum
1.58b
0.66b
42.14b
Kangkong
2.08a
1.02a
49.03a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
Statistical analysis revealed that the treatments are significantly different in terms
of dressing percentage. This implies that the rabbits have high difference in dressing
percentage.
Percentage of the Skin and External Offals
Table 2 presents the percentage of the skin and external offals as affected by the
different treatments.
In the percentage of the skin, rabbits given kangkong have a percentage of 9.83
while the rabbit given with talinum has a percentage of 9.41 and the one given with
galinsoga has a percentage of 8.63. In the percentage of the head, rabbits given with talinum
have a percentage of 9.89, while the rabbits given with kangkong have a percentage of
9.10, and the rabbits given with galinsoga have a percentage of 8.84.
On the front and hind legs percentage, it is observed that there are similarities which
mean that these are not significant to each other and less comparable.
These table shows that there are differences that are observed, statistical analysis
revealed that there is 1 significant and 2 not significant differences between treatments in
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Mean percentage of the skin and external offals (%)
TREATMENTS SKIN HEAD FRONT LEGS HIND LEGS
Galinsoga
8.63ab 8.84ab
0.67a
1.75a
Talinum
9.41b 9.89b
0.84a
2.02a
Kangkong
9.83a 9.10a
0.71a
1.85a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
the external offals. These shows that rabbits fed with these two selected feedstuffs talinum
and kangkong are comparable to each other.
It reveals that feeding talinum and kangkong into the rabbits slightly affect the
weights of the skin but not the external offals.
Internal Offals of Rabbit
Table 3 shows the mean weight of the internal offals of rabbits as affected by the
different treatments.
Rabbits given with talinum have mean weight of 7.75 in terms of the heart while
the rabbits given with galinsoga and kangkong have the same weight of 7.25. On the weight
of the lungs, the rabbit given with kangkong have the heaviest mean weight of 9.75 while
the one given with galinsoga have a mean of 9.5 and the rabbits given with talinum have a
mean of 8.25.
In the weight of the kidney, rabbits fed with galinsoga have a mean of 14.25 and
the rabbits fed with kangkong have a mean weight of 13.0 and the rabbits given with
talinum have a mean of 12.25. In terms of the live weight the rabbits given with galinsoga
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
have the heaviest mean of 57.00, the rabbits given with kangkong have a mean weight
51.50 and the rabbits given with talinum have a mean of 49.5.
On the weight of the full GIT , the rabbits fed with kangkong has a mean of 414.50
which is the heaviest while the rabbits fed with talinum has a mean of 413.25 and the
rabbits fed with galinsoga has a mean weight of 408.25. In the weight of empty GIT, the
rabbit given with kangkong has a mean weight of 160.50, the rabbits given with galinsoga
have a mean of 150.25 and the rabbits given with talinum have a mean weight of 148.25.
In terms of the weight of the blood, the rabbits given with kangkong have the
heaviest mean weight of 40.75 followed by the rabbits given with galinsoga with a mean
of 39 and the rabbits given with talinum have a mean of 30.75.
The mean of the internal offals of the different treatments are not significantly
different except the lungs which is significant as revealed by the statistical analysis. These
means that rabbits fed with these feedstuffs do not adversely affect the weight of the
internal offals. These reveals that rabbits fed with these different feedstuffs are comparable
to each other.
Table 3. Mean weight of the internal offals (g)
TREATMENTS HEART LUNGS KIDNEY LIVER
GIT
GIT
BLOOD
W/
Empty
Full
Galinsoga
7.25a
9.50a 14.25a 57.00a
150.25a 39.00a
408.25a
Talinum
7.75a
8.25b 12.25a 49.50a
148.25a 30.75a
413.25a
Kangkong
7.25a 9.75a
13.00a 51.50a
160.50a 40.75a
414.50a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Carcass Length of Rabbits
Table 4 shows the mean carcass length of the slaughtered rabbits as affected by the
different treatments.
This shows that rabbits given kangkong have the heaviest mean of 31 while the
rabbits given talinum have a mean of 29.38 and the rabbits given galinsoga have a mean of
27.63. Statistical analysis revealed that the treatments are significantly different in terms
of carcass length.
As shown in the table, the carcass length of the rabbits fed with kangkong has the
longest carcass measurement which means that water spinach is good to rabbits for better
carcass measurement, carcass weight, and gain in weight which is proven in table 1 and
the previous study of Kim Dong (2008).
Meat Composition of Experimental Rabbits
Table 5 presents the proximate analysis of the breast part of the rabbit meat samples
as analyzed at the (DOST-CAR) Department of Science and Technology Laboratory, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Table 4. Mean carcass length
TREATMENTS
LENGTH
(cm)
Galinsoga
27.63b
Talinum
29.38ab
Kangkong
31.00a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 by DMRT
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Table 5. Proximate analysis of rabbit meat samples
TEST
T1
T2
T3
GALINSOGA
TALINUM
KANGKONG
Ash (%)
1.25
1.16
0.97
Carbohydrate (%)
0
0
0
Crude Fat (%)
0.54
0.05
9.82
Crude Protein (%)
23.89
22.55
23.21
Moisture (%)
74.35
77.16
70.26
Energy (kcal/150g)
100
91
181
Percent ash. The gravimetric method was used in obtaining the ash percentage of
the meat samples of the different treatments.
The ash content of the meat samples obtained from the rabbit given Galinsoga is
the highest having a percentage of 1.25 while the meat sample that given Talinum has a
percentage of 1.16 and the one given kangkong have the lowest percentage of 0.97.
Crude fat. Table 5 shows the crude fat contents of the meat samples derived from
the rabbits under the different treatments. A high different was observed between the crude
fat of the meat samples derived from the birds given kangkong compared to the crude fat
of the meat samples derived from the rabbits given Galinsoga and Talinum. These mean
that Kangkong increases the crude fat level of rabbit meat compared to Galinsoga and
Talinum.
Crude protein. As shown in Table 5, the crude protein of the meat samples of the
different treatments has a little difference. The meat sample from the rabbits given
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
Galinsoga has the highest percentage of crude protein which is 23.89 while the rabbits
given Kangkong has a crude protein percentage of 23.21 and the meat sample from the
rabbits given with Talinum have the lowest percentage of 22.55.
The Crude protein of the different meat samples was obtained using the Kjeldahl
method.
Moisture content. Oven method was used in obtaining the moisture content of the
different meat samples of the different treatments.
Table 5 shows the moisture content of the meat samples obtained from the rabbits
given talinum which has the highest percentage of 77.16 and the meat samples from the
rabbits given galinsoga has a percentage of 74.35 while the meat samples from the rabbits
given kangkong has the lowest percentage of 70.26.
Energy. The energy content of the meat samples derived from the rabbits seem to
be more or less different. The meat samples from the rabbits given kangkong gave an
energy content of 181 kcal, while the meat sample from the rabbits given galinsoga has
energy content of 100 kcal, and the meat sample from the rabbits given talinum has energy
content of 90 kcal.
As observed in Table 5, the higher the fat content of the meat the energy is also
higher which means that the fat is the one that affects the percentage of the energy on the
meat.
Statistical analysis revealed that carbohydrate is absent in the meat samples of the
rabbits.
All the results of the data from percent ash to moisture content were obtained from
breast part of rabbit meat samples having a weight of 150 grams.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the carcass and meat characteristics of New
Zealand White rabbits fed with local forages as basal diet. It was conducted at the Animal
Generic Resources (TANGERE) Project at Bectey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet on
December 2011. The treatments used are the following: Galinsoga Parviflora (control),
Talinum, and Kangkong. The treatments were replicated four times. Twelve rabbits were
used in the study using Completely Randomized Design (CRD).
Results of the study showed that rabbits fed with kangkong recorded the heaviest
slaughter weight and carcass weight of 2.08 kg and 1.02 kg respectively. Also, the rabbits
fed with kangkong had the highest dressing percentage of 49.03. Statistical analysis
revealed that there are three significant and two not significant results in the slaughter data.
Carcass data has two significant and seven not significant results. This means that most of
the data are comparable to each other.
Conclusion
Based on the results, it could be concluded that kangkong as basal diet for rabbits
resulted to higher dressing percentage.
Recommendation
Kangkong as basal diet to rabbits is recommended for heavier and better slaughter
and carcass weight among rabbits.
Carcass and Meat Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbits Fed with Local Forages
as Basal Diet | SIGCOP, NGAYA-AN K. APRIL 2012
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CSIRO, DPI&F (Qld), CIAT and ILRI, Brisbane, Australia
DAMALAS, C. A. 2008. Distribution Biology and Agricultural Importance of Galinsoga
parviflora (Astraceae).Weed Biology and management.8:147-153.
DOAN THI GANG, 2006. Workshop on Forages for Pigs and Rabbits, 21-24
August
2006, MEKARN-CelAgrid
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FAO, 2001. Grassland Index. A searchable catalogue of grass and forage legumes. FAO
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resources of Tropical Africa, Volume 2:Vegetables.PROTH Foundation /Backhuys
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