Evaluation of three forages as a source of fiber in diets of fattening rabbits in Aguascalientes, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate three forages as a source of fiber in the diets of fattening rabbits. Design/Methodology/Approach: Whole grain diets with forage oat, mesquite pod, and alfalfa were used. Thirty-six weaned male rabbits were randomly distributed into three treatments (T1, forage oat diet; T2, mesquite pod diet; T3, alfalfa diet). Feed consumption, daily weight gain, total weight gain, and feed conversion were recorded. The animals were slaughtered to evaluate carcass yield. The data were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. Results: T1 recorded greater fattening than both T2 and T3 (P<0.05) and the last treatment surpassed T2 in daily weight gain, total weight gain, and feed digestibility. Regarding feed conversion, T1 and T3 had lower results than T2. In carcass yield, T1 was higher than T2 and T3 —which, on its turn, surpassed T2. Finally, no differences were observed in feed consumption between treatments (P> 0.05). There were also no significant differences in growth. Study Limitations/Implications: Mexicans have a low consumption of rabbit meat. The mesquite pod could be a viable alternative due to its low cost and availability in semi-arid areas. Findings/Conclusions: Forage oat recorded the best productive parameters, followed by alfalfa and mesquite pod; however, the latter had a greater economic advantage.