Efficiency Of Using Fennel Hay In Feeding Growing Rabbits

M. H. El- Sanhoury; F. Abdel-Azeem; Y.M. El-Hommosany; M. Abd EL-Sattar;

Abstract


This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using fennel hay
(FNH) as a replacer of 33.33, 66.66 or 100% of clover hay as a source of fiber in the
diets of growing rabbits. Forty-eight unsexed, weaned New Zealand White rabbits of 5
weeks old were randomly divided into four experimental groups (12 rabbits/group).
Clover hay was replaced by FNH at the rate of 10.6, 21.0 and 31.6%. The feeding trial
was continued for 8 weeks. Results obtained showed that rabbits fed on diet containing
FNH replaced clover hay up to 33.33%, were insignificantly higher live body weight
and body weight gain and significantly (P<0.05) higher daily feed consumption
compared with the other experimental diets. Values of FCR showed not significant
differences within all tested groups. Rabbits group fed 0.0% FNH recorded the highest
significant (P<0.05) digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude
protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract, while TDN was insignificantly improved
as compared to FNH groups. Rabbits fed 21.0% FNH had the lowest values (P<0.05)
for digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and nitrogen
free extract compared to other groups. Group fed 31.6% FNH diet was significantly
(P<0.05) higher ether extract than other groups Adding different levels of FNH to
rabbit diets induced insignificant effect on DCP. Levels of FNH in rabbit diets induced
insignificant effect on DCP. Higher dressing and hot carcass weight percentages were
recorded with rabbits fed 33.33%FNH. Total non-carcass fat (%) was decreased
significantly by using FNH levels. Plasma values of total protein, albumin, globulin,
A/G ratio, total lipids, cholesterol or Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration
were not significantly affected due to adding FNH to rabbit diets. Aspartate
aminotransferase (AST) was significantly decreased by different levels of FNH. Rabbits
fed 66.66% FNH showed higher economic efficiency percentage.
The results revealed that using FNH 10.6% in growing NZW rabbit diets had
no deleterious effects on physiological and biochemical status and it could be used
economically instead of 33.33% clover hay in growing rabbit diets.
Key words: Fennel hay, clover hay, rabbit, performance, economic efficiency.


Other data

Title Efficiency Of Using Fennel Hay In Feeding Growing Rabbits
Authors M. H. El- Sanhoury ; F. Abdel-Azeem ; Y.M. El-Hommosany ; M. Abd EL-Sattar 
Keywords Fennel hay;clover hay;rabbit;performance;economic;efficiency
Issue Date 2010
Journal Thé 6th Inter. Con .on Rabbit Prod. in Hot Clim., Assuit, Egypt, 139- 150 (2010) 

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