Feeding Rabbits Research Articles

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic disease and eimeriosis of rabbits

The rabbit breeding industry in Ukraine is an important element of animal husbandry, most of the rabbits are in private households. In the absence of systematic veterinary care, accurate postmortem diagnosis of the causes of death of rabbits in households is important. Rabbit eimeriosis is widespread in Ukraine and with mixed intestinal and hepatic forms of eimeriosis against the background of unsatisfactory feeding and maintenance in young rabbits can cause death. Viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits is also common in Ukraine and causes the death of rabbits of all ages. The aim was to study the pathomorphological changes in eimeria and viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits and the use of other methods to confirm the diagnosis. The article presents the results of pathological, coprological and microbiological diagnosis of rabbit eimeriosis. Polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits with the simultaneous establishment of the genotype of the pathogen. The effectiveness of the use of additional methods of postmortem diagnosis of eimeria (coprological, microscopic) and viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits (polymerase chain reaction) was established. In rabbits that died from rabbit hemorrhagic disease the infection was caused by the virus of the first type. Key words: pathological and anatomical diagnosis, coproscopy, PCR, liver damage.

Haemaphysalis flava ticks as a competent vector of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a tick-borne Bunyavirus, causes an emerging hemorrhagic fever in humans with a high fatality in Asia. The tick vectors and hosts of SFTSV are not well studied. We evaluated SFTSV transmission in laboratory reared Haemaphysalis flava ticks. RT-PCR demonstrated that after acquisition feeding in SFTSV-infected rabbits, 10 % (4/40) engorged larvae, 25% (5/20) engorged nymphs, and 50% (5/10) engorged females of H. flava became SFTSV RNA positive; after engorged larvae and nymphs molted into nymphs and adults, respectively, 12.5% (3/24) newly molted nymphs and 20% (2/10) newly molted adults were SFTSV RNA positive. Among 30 engorged females that oviposited, 10% (3/30) clutches of eggs and 3.3% (1/30) colonies of larvae were RNA positive for SFTSV. RT-PCR also showed that 6 days after being infested with SFTSV-infected ticks, 100% (3/3) rabbits infested with larvae, 100% (2/2) rabbits infested with nymphs, and 100% (2/2) rabbits infested with adult ticks became SFTSV RNA positive. In conclusion, H. flava can acquire SFTSV from infected rabbits by feeding; there is transstadial and transovarial transmission of the virus and all three stages of H. flava can transmit SFTSV to rabbits by feeding. Thus, H. flava tick is an effective vector of SFTSV and may play a role in the transmission of SFTSV in wild animals and humans.

Synergistic Effect of Raw Tribulus terrestris With Vitamin E on Some Biochemical and Physiological Parameters in local Male Rabbits

This study was designed to investigate the synergistic effect of adding Tribulus terrestris with vitamin E to the feeding of domestic male rabbits on some biochemical and physiological traits. Where the experiment was conducted in the animal house at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. University of Baghdad, for 60 days from January until the end of February 2022. The experiment was carried out using 28 domestic rabbits 3 to 4 months of age, were divided into four groups, all animals were fed the same traditional feed mixture – the first control group T1, the 2nd group T2 received (Tribulus terrestris) , 3rd group T3 received Tribulus terrestris with vitamin E and 4th group T4 only received vitamin E. The dose of Tribulus terrestris was 1 g /animal /daily while the dose of vitamin E was 60 mg/ animal/daily for 8 weeks. The results are shown the addition Tribulus terrestris with or without vitamin E increased significantly (P<0.05) in hemoglobin levels also hematocrit while non-significant differences in leukocytes, erythrocytes count and glucose concentration, while the total protein, albumin and globulin increased significantly (P<0.05) in rabbits as compared with the control group. From results concluded that the Tribulus terrestris plant and vitamin E have a positive effect on some blood traits and serum proteins.

Etiopathogenesis of Calcium–Phosphorus Metabolism in Rabbits

In this article clinical signs, hematological indicators and photo morphological changes in bones of the etiopathogenesis of calcium–phosphorus metabolism in rabbits are described. Low–nutrition, poor–quality feeding of mother rabbits during the estrus period means that the needs of the mother rabbits’ body for vitamins and macro–microelements are not fully met. Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in rabbits are on average 53,3% during the gestation period and on average 73,3% during the postpartum period. It is accompanied by symptoms such as a decrease in response to external influences, swelling of the skin, a decrease in gloss, strong whitening of the mucous membranes, a decrease in body weight, accompanied by symptoms such as a change in appetite.

The effectiveness of the use of the probiotic complex Subtilis-C in the field of industrial rabbit breeding

For the successful development of the livestock industry, including rabbit breeding, it is necessary to reveal the genetic potential of breeding facilities by balancing feed rations and including dietary supplements in their composition that help maintain their homeostasis and reduce the negative impact of various stress and feed factors on the body of farm animals. Currently, there are a number of feed components that stimulate the productivity and growth of animals, birds, and animals. One of them are probiotic drugs that have a positive effect on strengthening immunity, strengthening health and increasing productivity of various types of farm animals. The aim of the work is to substantiate the effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Subtilis - C as part of a full-fledged granular compound feed for young rabbits to increase their meat productivity. To study the effect of the probiotic drug Subtilis - C, 45 rabbits aged 30 days were selected. Rabbits of the control group were fed according to the scheme adopted by the farm with a full-grain granular feed PZK-92 UAH, experimental groups of rabbits received feed rations based on the feed PZK-92 (obtained on the basis of cereals, sunflower cake, wheat bran, herbal flour from alfalfa and premix KVP P90-1K), which included probiotic the additive "Subtilis-S" (2 · 109) in a dosage of 0.6 and 1.0 g / kg of compound feed and hydrolysate of oats in a dosage of 2% as a binder instead of molasses. It is proved that the use of the probiotic drug "Subtilis-S" in a dosage of 1.0 g / kg by weight of compound feed increases the average daily gains and, as a consequence, meat productivity and protein content in the muscle tissue of rabbit carcasses.)

Продуктивность кроликов при использовании в рационах кормления гидропонного зеленого корма

Aim. The study of the productivity of rabbits when using hydroponic green fodder in feeding rations. Materials and Methods. The experiment was carried out in the conditions of a mini-farm of the agrarian faculty of Kalmyk State University named after B.B. Gorodovikov. According to the principle of analogues, two groups of rabbits of the Gray Giant breed were formed at the age of 2 months. Each group consisted of 10 heads. The period of the experiment is 3 months. Animals of the control group received a general farm ration, the rabbits of the experimental group were nutritionally replaced with alfalfa hay with hydroponic green fodder in the amount of 200 g in the first month of the experiment, 300 g in the second and third months. Rabbits were weighed monthly to measure their live weight, and at the age of four months, measurements were taken to determine the rate of their growth and development. Economic efficiency was determined according to the accounting data for the costs of young animals growing and the cost of products sold. The research materials were processed on a PC using the Microsoft Office software package. Results. The conducted studies showed that the rabbits that received hydroponic green fodder with the diet surpassed the animals of control group in live weight after a month of growing by 10,15% (P≥0.95) and after three months – by 19.95% (P≥0.99), in absolute growth – by 37.23% (P≥0.95) and 33.36% (P≥0.99), relative growth – 21.1 and 5.4%, respectively. The massiveness index was also higher in the animals of experimental group by 7.1%. Conclusion. The use of hydroponic green fodder in feeding rabbits of the Gray Giant breed, along with an increase in live weight, contributes to additional profit and a profitability of 46.6%.

The effect of adding garlic powder to the feed of local fatted rabbits on production parameters and blood biochemical traits

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of the addition of garlic powder to the feed of young rabbits (kittens) on production parameters (incl. growth) and blood biochemical traits. Twelve local Iraqi rabbit kittens were selected (4-5 weeks of age) with an average weight of 330±5 grams. Each kitten was housed individually in a cage (1.5 x 2.0m) to ensure they had free access to feed and water. The kittens were divided into three groups of four according to three feeding trials (T1, T2 and T3) to evaluate production efficiency. The kittens were fed a controlled ration containing crude protein (16.6%) and metabolizable energy (2791Kcal/kg feed), with 1% garlic powder (dry weight; g/kg) added to the control ration of T2, and 2% to T3 (T1 was the control group, i.e. without garlic powder). The total weight gain, feed consumption rate and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Blood samples were obtained from all the kittens at the end of the trial period to determine specific blood biochemical traits, including total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose. At the end of experiment, the control ration was found to have a statistically significant (p≤0.05) effect on almost all production parameters and blood biochemical traits. It was shown that there was a statistically significant (p≤0.05) reduction in total weight gain, cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, ALT and AST in those kittens fed with the added garlic powder.

Feeds of animal origin in rabbit nutrition – a review

Abstract Rabbits are classified as obligate herbivores. However, under natural conditions, some members of the family Leporidae incorporate animal products into their diets. Therefore, it seems biologically justified to supplement the diets of farmed rabbits with feeds of animal origin as sources of protein, fat and minerals. The aim of this review was to describe, from a historical perspective, the use of various feeds of animal origin in rabbit nutrition. The applicability of by-products from mammal, poultry, fish and invertebrate processing for rabbit feeding was evaluated, including the future prospects for their use. A review of the available literature revealed that various animal-based feeds can be valuable protein sources in rabbit diets, but their inclusion levels should not exceed 5-10%. Studies investigating their efficacy have been conducted since the 1970s. In some regions of the world, the use of animal-derived protein in livestock feeds was prohibited due to the risk of spreading bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). However, the interest in animal by-products as protein sources in livestock diets is likely to increase since the above ban has been lifted.

Changes in serum lipid profiles of weaner rabbits fed diets fortified with processed Garcinia kola seed

Background: A fifty-six (56) day experiment was conducted at the small animal experimental unit of Federal College of Wildlife Management, New-Bussa, Niger State to determine the effect of fortifying the feed of weaned rabbits with graded levels of Garcinia kola (G. kola). Methods: Forty unsexed New-Zealand white rabbits weighing between 0.90-0.92kg used for this experiment were randomly distributed into five dietary treatments tagged T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experimental rabbits were fed with Iso-Caloric and Iso-Nitrogenous diets that are rich in lipids with a very high metabolizable energy (M/E). Rabbits in T1which served as the control were fed plain diets not fortified with G. kola. Rabbits in treatments 2 to 5 were fed diets fortified with graded level of processed G. kola seeds at 5g/100g, 10g/100g, 15g/100g and 20g/100g respectively and the animals were fed at 10% of their body biomass by monitoring the weight on weekly basis. Results: Data obtained from this study revealed that feeding of weaner rabbits with feed fortified with powdered G. kola seed produced a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent serum-lipid lowering effects as compared to the control group, this may be mediated by some of the phytochemical and nutritional constituents of G. kola. The phytochemical analysis revealed that values of Tannin Flavonoids, Saponin and Alkaloids ranges from 5.94 ± 0.58%, 1.57 ± 0.37%, 3.46 ± 0.365% and 6.58 ± 0.38% respectively while the results of the Proximate analysis revealed that G. kola seed contained 8.51 ± 0.045% Moisture, 2.39 ± 0.420% Protein, 4.65 ± 0.365% Ash and 75.91 ± 2.265%NFE. Conclusion: This research work has revealed that G. kola seed has a hypolipidemic effect when consumed and that consumption of G. kola seed may help in the reduction of the incidence of cardiovascular.

Meat production and quality of rabbits fed different diets and a biological activator

Objective: Evaluate the effect of four diets on the productive performance of rabbits, carcass yields, meat color and pH. 
 Design/methodology/approach: Thirty-two California breed rabbits were randomly assigned to each of the following diets: “commercial feed” alone; “commercial feed + biological-activator”; “alfalfa forage + biological activator” and “integral feed + biological-activator”. In the animals were evaluated: daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FC), daily feed intake (DFI), body weight (BW), empty body weight (EBW) and carcass yields. In the meat were determined: pH, luminosity, red color and yellow color. Means were compared using the Duncan test (α = 0.05). 
 Results: The commercial feed diets showed (P < 0.05) higher DWG, DFI, BW and EBW than he other diets. The “commercial feed + biological-activator” diet produced (P < 0.05) in general, higher carcass weights and yields than the alfalfa-based diet, which produced (P < 0.05) a higher pH and yellow color in the meat than the “commercial feed alone” diet. 
 Study Limitations/Implications: The feeding of the rabbits by adding the biological-activator improves the performance, the color of the meat and the pH.
 Findings/conclusions: to add the biological-activator into the commercial feed improves the yield of empty body weight; to add it into the alfalfa forage and compare it with the commercial feed (alone or with activator) improves both the color of meat (making it more yellow) and the pH (making it higher).

Growth Performance, Semen Quality and Health Status as Affected by using Panicum Maximum in Rabbits Feed

The purpose of this study was to investigate replacement of clover hay in rabbit diets with Panicum maximum hay (Pmh) and how affected digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, semen quality, economic efficiency, and health status. A total of 60 New Zealand White weaned male rabbits, aged 6 weeks and weighing an average of 720±42g, were randomly classified into four dietary groups (15 rabbits each). The control group was fed a baseline diet with 36% clover hay (D1). The other three groups were provided diets with 12, 24, and 36% Pmh to replace the clover hay in the basal diet (D2, D3, and D4 respectively). Feed intake, digestibility, CF and NFE, nutritive value (TDN and DE), daily body weight gain, FCR, and carcass percentage all decreased slightly (P<0.05) with increasing Pmh replacement up to 24 percent (D2 and D3) and significantly (P<0.05) with the highest replacement level (D4) when compared to the control. A replacement had no significant effect on semen quality. Replacement, on the other hand, increased net income by increasing Pmh levels as a result of lower overall feed costs, and the highest replacement level provided the best relative economic efficiency compared to control (114%). The hematological parameters were within normal limits and the histological alterations had no negative effect on the animals' physiological activities. Finally, using Pmh instead of clover hay in rabbit diets can be used as an alternative, save and more economical feed in rabbit diets.

The Effect of Humic Substances as an Organic Supplement on the Fattening Performance, Quality of Meat, and Selected Biochemical Parameters of Rabbits.

In this study, we assessed the effect of humic substances, as an organic supplement in feed, on the fattening performance, meat quality and selected lipid and mineral parameters from the blood serum of rabbits. Three groups of the Giant Saris rabbit breed were used (one control and two experimental), with 16 animals per group. The animals in the control group were fed a standard pellet diet, the humic substances group received a basal diet supplemented with 5% humic substances, and the third group received a basal diet with 5% humic–fatty substances preparation during the entire experiment (from 35 to 120 days of age). There were 85 days of fattening; then, the rabbits were slaughtered. In the group supplemented with 5% humic–fatty substances addition, we noticed a higher final weight (p < 0.05) and higher average daily gains compared to the control group at the end of the fattening period, at 120 days of age. On the other hand, a slightly lower final weight (p > 0.05) in the group supplemented with humic substances was found compared to the control group. In the comparison of the individual parameters of the meat quality in rabbits, we observed a positive effect in the reduction in the intramuscular fat content and the lipid parameters as well as a lower total cholesterol from the blood serum in both supplemented groups. Regarding the mineral parameters, we observed elevated blood serum values of calcium and phosphorus in both experimental groups. The addition of humic–fatty substances appears to be the most effective way of supplementing rabbit feed due to the synergistic effect of humates and vegetable oils for their optimal growth development and the production of reduced-fat meat.

Managing the feeding of rabbits to improve metabolic efficiency

A recommendation of: Cathy Hue-Beauvais, Karine Bebin, Raphael Robert, Delphine Gardan-Salmon, Mickael Maupin, Nicolas Brun, Etienne Aujean, Florence Jaffrezic, Steve Simon, Madia Charlier, Fabienne Le Provost Impact of pre-breeding feeding practices on rabbit mammary gland development at mid-pregnancy. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.17.476562

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leave Meal on Digestibility and Haematological Parameters, and Health Status of Doe Rabbits

The study involved the use of the Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) to feed doe rabbits and determine its effect on their nutrient digestibility and haematological indices. Five (5) treatment diets were formulated to contain MOLM inclusion levels of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Forty five (45) rabbits of same sex were distributed randomly into five groups of nine animals and replicated three times per treatment having between 24 – 28 weeks of age with initial weight of about 1800 – 2400 g per animal. The does were provided with feed and water throughout the experimental period which lasted eight weeks. Analysis of the Moringa leaf meal (MOLM) on DM basis indicated that the leaves contained 92.15% Dry Matter, 12.85% Crude Protein, 5.10% Ether Extract, 6.57% Crude Fibre, 11.20% Ash, 64.28% Nitrogen Free Extract. The apparent digestibility of CP, CF, EE and NFE were affected (P&lt;0.05) by the graded levels of MOLM inclusion except for the dry matter. The haematological parameters like packed cell volume, white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte vary significantly (p&lt;0.05) between treatments. MOLM could be included in rabbit feed at an inclusion level of 25% without any adverse effect on the digestibility performance while blood indices of doe rabbits improved with increasing levels of Moringa oleifera.

Influence of Spirulina Platensis in the composition of feed on the content of heavy metals in rabbit meat

An important area for the further development of animal husbandry is to provide humanity with environmentally friendly food. One way to reduce the content of heavy metals in livestock products in general and meat in particular is to feed some feed products that have sorbent properties. For this purpose, a scientific and economic experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding compound feeds containing 0.5–2% Spirulina platensis to rabbits raised for meat. The experimental period of the research lasted from the 60th to the 120th day of life of young rabbits and ended with a control slaughter. During this period, the live weight of the rabbits, their safety and the amount of feed consumed were monitored. During the control slaughter, the chemical composition of the longest back muscle was studied, as well as the content of Lead and Cadmium. According to the results ofthe experiment it was found that the introduction of compound feed rabbits Spirulina platensis in doses of 0.5–2.0% helps to improve their growth, reduce the content of Cadmium and Lead in meat, reduce the fat content in it and increase the proportion of dry matter and protein. It should be noted that the highest productivity of rabbits was achieved at a feed content of 1.5% of Spirulina platensis, ahead of control counterparts by 7.8% (P&lt;0.01). Instead, the lowest concentration of heavy metals in meat was recorded at the content of 2.0% of the specified feed: Cadmium by 34.1% (P&lt;0.01), and Lead – by 25.9% (P&lt;0.001) less than the control indexes. As for the chemical composition of meat, the highest protein and the lowest fat in it was recorded at 1.5% Spirulina platensis in the feed. Compared to control animals, rabbit meat in this group contained 1.2% more protein and 0.7% (P&lt;0.01) less fat. Thus, 1.5% of Spirulina platensis in the feed for rabbits raised for meat can be considered the optimal proportion. Key words: rabbits, Spirulina platensis, live weight gain, productivity, Cadmium, Lead, meat.

The effect of dietary supplemented dried fennel and rosemary on the performance and caecal microflora of growing rabbits

The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible effect of fennel and rosemary dietary supplements on the performance of rabbits. Therefore fifty-six weaned rabbits (40 days old) from white New Zealand breed were divided into two groups and submitted to the following dietary treatments: A) control diet and B) FR diet consisted of 2.5% Foeniculum vulgare seeds (fennel) and Rosmarinus officinalis leaves (Rosmary) as powder mixed by control diet for thirty days. The growth rate, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, and mortality were not influenced by dietary fennel and rosemary supplementation. The antimicrobial effect of fennel and rosemary (2.5%) was not observed against E. coli in the caecum of the rabbit treated. The essential oils of Foeniculum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis are predominantly composed by Trans Anethole and 1-8 cineole successively. Low antibacterial activity was observed with two essential oils against the strain tested in this study. The addition of the 2.5% combination of fennel and rosemary in rabbit feed did not influence the zootechnical parameters of the rabbits

The effect of vitamins A and D on the protein balance in the body of young rabbits

In feed for farm animals, the most expensive component is protein. To increase the intensity of its metabolism, fat-soluble vitamins are included in the feed of herbivorous animals. The effect of vitamins A and D on the balance of protein (nitrogen) in the body of young rabbits was studied by classical methods in a series of exchange (balance) experiments in the Department of Fur Animal Husbandry and Rabbit Breeding of the V. A. Afanasyev Scientific Research Institute of Fur Farming and Rabbit Breeding. From 12 heads of young rabbits of the Soviet Chinchilla breed at the age of 45 days, 3 groups of 4 heads each were formed according to the principle of analogues. Rabbits of the 1st - control group received full-fledged granular mixed feed (PGK) without additives, vitamin A was added to the mixed feed of rabbits of the 2nd group at the rate of 500 IU per 100 g, vitamin D was added to the mixed feed of the 3rd group at the rate of 150 IU per 100 g of mixed feed. As a result of three balance experiments, it was found that the groups practically did not differ in the amount of digested nitrogen. The excretion of nitrogen in the urine was stable, without significant differences in the groups. Thus, the addition of synthetic vitamins A and D to the diet does not affect the intensity of protein metabolism in young rabbits. The indicator of daily nitrogen deposition in rabbits aged 45-74 days is quite stable, on average 1.5 g per head. The percentage of nitrogen deposition to the accepted one is on average 49.55. The deposition of nitrogen in the body of young rabbits to the digested nitrogen of the diet is quite high – 76.5%, which indicates the rational use of protein by rabbits for plastic needs.

Sun-dried Stylo Hay (Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 184) as Dietary Fibre Source in Rabbits

Background: In West Africa, one of the main problem of rabbit production is the lack of fibre-balanced feeds available at remunerative price, as the supply of fibrous raw material remains difficult. Expensive fibrous raw materials imported from temperate countries are the most fibre source used in rabbit feed formulation. This study aimed to assess the nutritive value and the potential use of Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 184, a local fodder, as dietary fibre source in rabbit feed. Methods: Four diets containing an inclusion of Stylo hay: 0% (control, SH0), 15% (SH15), 30% (SH30) and 45% (SH45) as a substitute for the control diet (33.3 g NDF and 170 g CP/kg) were studied. Four groups of 12 rabbits, individually caged, were fed ad libitum the 4 diets, from weaning (35 days) to 78 days age. Result: Replacing up to 45% the basal diet with Stylo hay reduced nutrients digestibility (P less than 0.001). The digestible protein (DP) contain of Stylo hay was 36±0.57 g/kg DM. The inclusion of Stylo up to 30% in the diet improved animals growth rate compared to the control diet. Health status and slaughter traits were not affected by Stylo incorporation. It was concluded that sun-dried Stylo hay could be considered as a good fibre source in the complete pellet feed for rabbits in West Africa.

Performance of Weaner Rabbits under Prevailing Feeding Systems in Kiambu County, Kenya

Despite the recent upsurge of interest in rabbit farming in Kenya, there is inadequate information on both on-farm performance and cost of production which are important in determining the profitability of the enterprise. This study assessed these 2 parameters in 6 rabbit farms in Kiambu County. In each farm, 40 weaners were monitored to determine their feed intake, weight gain, the time to reach 2 kg body weight and the cost per weight gain. The type, quantity, quality and cost of feeds offered was monitored. The key determinant of the type of feed offered to rabbits was availability rather than quality. None of the offered feeds singly provided all the required nutrients in the amount for growing rabbits. Forages on offer were low in Crude Protein (CP) content (average, 12.6% vs. recommended 16-17%) while commercial concentrates were low in fibre content (average, 9.2% vs. recommended, 15-16%). On average, a weaner attained 2 kg body weight at 18 (range, 16-19) weeks after consuming 6.6 (range, 5.5-8.1) kg DM, 874.9±163.6 (range, 761-962.2) g of CP and 14723±1868.7 (range, 11535-17643) Kcal of digestible energy with a feed conversion ratio of 6.3±0.7 (range, 5.6-7). Feed cost per unit weight gain averaged KES 164.5 (range, 135.3 -234.4) while the production cost per kg weight gain was KES 280.2. The study concluded that rabbits at the farm level received inadequate energy and protein leading to slow growth rates, delayed attainment of target weight and a high cost of production making the enterprise unprofitable. There is need to evaluate feeding of rabbits with an aim to providing balanced diets to gain body weight and to optimize performance and consequently improved profitability.

Growth performance and blood profiles of weaned New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal

1. Ahmed R.M.A., 2017. Evaluation of moringa (Moringa oleifera) as a new feed for rabbits. M.Sc. Thesis, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, (Egypt) Google Scholar