UTILIZATION OF SOME NON-CONVENTIONAL DIETS IN GROWING RABBITS FEEDING

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to study the reduction tannins and phenolics content (anti-nutriotional factors) inCalendula Officinalis by-products (COP) using biological treatment. Clover hay was replaced by biologically treated (COP) at level 15 and 30% in growing New Zealand White rabbit diets. Effects on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, carcass traits, blood constituents, caecum traits and economic efficiency were studied. 84 unsexed weaned New Zealand White rabbits, six weeks old with an average live body weight from 850 to 900 g, were randomly assigned to 7 groups (12 rabbits each). Each group was divided into 4 replicates, (three rabbits each). The result showed that degradation of tannins and phenolics compound was more efficient when Tricodermareesi were incubated with COP at 30̊ C. Data showed that rabbits fed diets containing 30% COP with T. reesie had the best live body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion, digestion coefficient, nutrient value, and the best weight of empty carcass and dressing percentage, and high economic efficiency followed by groups fed on treated roughage with poly ethylene glycol (PEG), at 14 weeks of age, when compared with control or other groups. It can be concluded that, the feasibility of using biologically treated COP to replace clover hay; it can be used as a feed supplement in the diet of rabbits it proved to be as a good replace of clover hay without any adverse effect on rabbit performance.