Evaluation of Dried Tomato Seeds as Feedstuff in the Diets of Growing Rabbits

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters and economical efficiency of rabbits fed on different levels of dried tomato pomace 10, 20 & 30%. Twenty four of New Zealand White rabbits of averaged 945 g body weight (6 weeks of age) were divided into four groups, of six each. The first group was fed a basal diet without dried tomato pomace and considered as control, while the other three groups were fed the basal diet after substituting part of the diet with dried tomato pomace at 10, 20 & 30%, respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) difference between different experimental groups in live body weight and weight gains and feed intake. There were no significant differences in the dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen free-extract digestibilities, while there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the ether extract and crude fibre digestibility between different experimental groups and the diet contained 20% dried tomato pomace recorded the highest values compared to other treated groups. There was significant (P<0.05) difference between different experimental groups in dressing percentages, while no significant differences in weight percentages of liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. It could be concluded that dried tomato pomace can be utilized efficiently and safely in the diets of rabbits up to level of 20% without any adverse effect on the performance and carcass traits.