Abstract
The study was carried out to determine (1) the effect of feed type on feed preference, (2) the effect of group (GRR) or single (SRR) rearing on performance and duration of behavioural traits, and (3) the behavioural pattern of rabbits in relation to time period. Ten 8 week (wk) old rabbits of 810-830g body weight were employed for the study. The rabbits were divided into two groups of five each and housed singly (SRR) or together (GRR) at 50 cm 2 /rabbit. The trial feeds were Centrosema pubescens (CTP), Ipomea batatas (IP), Tridax procumbens (TDP), pelleted (PC), and ground (GC) concentrates. A 2 wk adaptation to the feed materials was allowed. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data included final body weight (FBWT), total body weight gain (TBWG), daily weight gain (DWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), duration of feed intake (DFI), water intake (DWI), standing (DST) and lying down (DLD) recorded 1 day/wk (8 time periods of 3 h each on each day) for 8 wk. Group or single rearing significantly (P ˂ 0.05) influenced FI, FCR, DWI, DST and DLD but not FBWT, TBWG, DWG and DFI. Feed type and form affected feed preference with Centrosema pubescens and pelleted feed as the most preferred. Time period significantly (P ˂ 0.05) influenced the duration of the behavioural traits and activity pattern showed circadian rhythmicity. Rearing condition x time period interaction significantly (P ˂ 0.05) influenced the duration and time periods for peaks and lows in behavioural activities. Approximately 91% of the 24 h day was spent by the rabbits on the behavioural traits studied with about 56.0 % spent lying down, 17.8 % for feeding and 1.71 % for drinking water. Peak periods of nutrient intake were early diurnal (03:00 – 06:00 hrs), late diurnal (15:00 – 18:00 hrs) and early nocturnal (18:00 – 21:00 hrs) periods. In conclusion, rabbits should be fed with green, leafy and highly nutritious forages (with or without pellets) provided at the peak periods of feed intake. They could be reared singly or in group provided adequate space allowance for feeding, exercise and rest is made.
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