Evaluation of the reproductive performance of rabbits does fed a half-simplified diet based on cassava byproducts

Andréia Fróes Galuci Oliveira,Meiby Carneiro De Paula Leite,Fernanda Catelan,Marciana Retore,Cláudio Scapinello,Josianny Limeira Figueira,Ana Carolina Monteiro Motta

doi:10.1590/s1516-35982011001100025

Andréia Fróes Galuci Oliveira, Meiby Carneiro De Paula Leite + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1516-35982011001100025

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Abstract

A total of 70 five-month-old female New Zealand White rabbits were assigned in a completely randomized design, over three reproductive cycles, with two treatments: a reference diet and a half-simplified diet containing 79.83% cassava byproduct. The study evaluated body weight and feed intake of does, feed cost, number and total body weight of kits at kindling and weaning per female during three cycles, number and percentage of mortality/female/cycle, and weight gain of kits from birth to weaning. No interaction was observed between the diets and among the reproductive cycles for any evaluated characteristics. The body weight of does at the moment of weaning was similar in both groups for all three reproductive cycles. However, does fed the half-simplified diet had lower feed intake during the three reproductive cycles and, consequently, more reproductive flaws. The number of kits at weaning, body weight of kits at kindling and weaning, weight gain of kits from birth to weaning, and total body weight of kits at weaning were lower for the group of does fed the half-simplified diet and, consequently, there was a higher number and percentage of dead kits in this group. The total numbers of kits at kindling and weaning and total body weight of kits at birth during all three reproductive cycles were similar between the groups; however, total body weight of weaning rabbits was higher for the animals receiving the reference diet. It is possible to conclude that although the use of the half-simplified diet decreases the reproductive performance of does, it reduces feed cost per kg of body weight by 23.63% compared with the reference diet, proving to be a viable nutritional option for rabbit production.

Highlights

Feeding accounts for approximately 70% of production costs in animal raising systems
The total numbers of kits at kindling and weaning and total body weight of kits at birth during all three reproductive cycles were similar between the groups; total body weight of weaning rabbits was higher for the animals receiving the reference diet
The differences in chemical composition between the reference and half-simplified diets, with regard to neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (Table 2), were due to the characteristics of the ingredients used in their formulation, as cassava hay has less NDF and more ADF compared with the fiber contents of the reference diet

Summary

Introduction

Feeding accounts for approximately 70% of production costs in animal raising systems. Roughage sources are included as well, accounting for 35% to 40% of diet volume Among these sources is alfalfa hay, which is a dietary source of high cost and limited availability (Scapinello et al, 2003). Cassava roots have high starch content, representing an important energy source as well as being palatable and able to be included in the diets of all domestic animals (Ferreira Filho et al, 2004). Using the aerial part and roots or their byproducts provides significant volumes of protein, fiber and energy in the formulations of rabbit feed. This research was carried out to evaluate the use of a half-simplified diet based on cassava byproducts, representing 79.83% of diet volume, on the reproductive performance of female New Zealand White rabbits over three reproductive cycles

Material and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusions