Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the effect of nutritional density and season on the performance of young rabbit does before the first mating. Forty-eight females from the Botucatu Genetic Group were used in each season (warm or cool), starting at the age of 70 days, housed in groups of four per cage up to 119 days, and reared individually from 120 to 140 days of age. The high-density diet was formulated to contain, on a 90% DM basis, 18.4% CP, 16.5% ADF and 2,500 kcal DE kg-1; whereas the low-density diet was formulated to contain 14.7% CP, 24% ADF and 2,000 kcal DE kg-1. The experiment was conducted according to a 2x2 factorial design (two diets x two seasons) with repeated measures (weeks). The high-density diet promoted lower feed intake, higher final weight, and higher daily weight gain, adjusted for constant intake. But these facts alone do not warrant using a high-density diet for growing rabbit does, because it could have a negative impact during the reproductive phase. In the warm season, there was a reduction in feed intake and an improvement in feed efficiency. Along time, however, the mean body weight of does was similar in the two seasons.
Highlights
The fiber level required by growing and lactating rabbit does is relatively high, around 34 and 32% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), respectively, on a dry matter content 900 g kg-1 (DE BLAS; MATEOS, 2010)
Dietary fiber is needed by rabbits to maintain a high rate of passage and avoid digesta retention in the caecum
Feeding a high-density diet resulted in higher weight gain, higher weight gain adjusted for a constant intake, lower feed intake and higher nutrient intake
Summary
The fiber level required by growing and lactating rabbit does is relatively high, around 34 and 32% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), respectively, on a dry matter content 900 g kg-1 (DE BLAS; MATEOS, 2010). Dietary fiber is needed by rabbits to maintain a high rate of passage and avoid digesta retention in the caecum. Animal Sciences provides an energy-rich substrate for the intestinal microbiota, which supplies the rabbit with additional energy. 435-440, Oct.-Dec., 2013 coming from volatile fatty acids and with highquality microbial protein recycled through caecotrophy (GIDENNE et al, 2010). Fiber type is important, since the chemical composition and physical structure of plant cell walls vary a great deal among fiber sources (GIDENNE, 2003; NICODEMUS et al, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
