Carcass and meat quality of rabbits fed Tithonia tubaeformis weed

Armando Zepeda-Bastida,Maricela Ayala Martínez,Sergio Soto Simental

doi:10.1590/rbz4820190074

Armando Zepeda-Bastida, Maricela Ayala Martínez + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/rbz4820190074

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Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to use different parts of the Tithonia tubaeformis plant in feed for fattening rabbits and then observe the effects on carcass and meat quality. Forty-eight weaned rabbits (35 days of age) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12 by treatment). Animals were fed ad libitum a control diet as well as three experimental diets, with addition of Tithonia tubaeformis leaves, whole plant, and stems. Rabbits were slaughtered after 63 days of [...]

Highlights

Rabbit meat has several advantages over other meats due to its fatty acids profile, high protein content, several vitamins and minerals, and low cholesterol and sodium contents (Para et al, 2015)
There were no significant differences between treatments for all variables measured, except for kidneys and kidney fat. pH and color values were different among treatments
It is possible that live weight associated with lumbar circumference carcass should be used to obtain carcass weight

Summary

Introduction

Rabbit meat has several advantages over other meats due to its fatty acids profile, high protein content, several vitamins and minerals, and low cholesterol and sodium contents (Para et al, 2015). The use of plants in feed is an area that has been gaining interest over the past few years with regard to rabbit production research, as plants contain bioactive compounds that can improve carcass and meat quality (Cardinali et al, 2015; Kone et al, 2016). Bilberry pomace was used as a feeding strategy to improve fatty acid content in rabbit meat (Dabbou et al, 2017). Cardinali et al (2015) used oregano, rosemary, and vitamin E as feed supplements for enhancing growth performance and carcass traits in fattening rabbits. Kone et al (2016) used onion, cranberry, strawberry, and their extracts as feed supplements to increase productive performance and meat quality Bilberry pomace was used as a feeding strategy to improve fatty acid content in rabbit meat (Dabbou et al, 2017). Cardinali et al (2015) used oregano, rosemary, and vitamin E as feed supplements for enhancing growth performance and carcass traits in fattening rabbits. Kone et al (2016) used onion, cranberry, strawberry, and their extracts as feed supplements to increase productive performance and meat quality

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