Intake, Digestibility and Feed Conversion of Some Protein-Rich Forages in New Zealand White Rabbits

Abstract

     A feeding trial was carried out to evaluate feed intake, digestibility and feed utilisation of some protein-rich forages by New Zealand White growing rabbits. A total of 24 growing male rabbits at 8 weeks of age (1.53 ± 0,13 kg) were used for a 4x4 latin square experiment repeated twice, using 4 feeds (Trichanthera gigantea, Ipomoea aquatica, Ipomoea batatas and concentrate pellet) in 4 experimental periods (each period lasted 14 days with 7 first days for adaptation and 7 last days for data collection). Results show that the protein-rich forages were ingested in equal amount (5.66-5.87% BW), but higher than that of the concentrate pellet (5.27%BW). The highest intakes of ME and CP were the concentrate pellet and Ipomoea aquatica, respectively. Digestibility was also highest for concentrate pellet, followed by Ipomoea aquatica, Trichanthera gigantea and Ipomoea batatas. Among the protein-rich forages, Trichanthera gigantea gave the highest ADG (23.5g) and and best FCR (4.6 kg DM/kg weight gain), Ipomoea aquatic and Ipomoea batatas gave similar ADGs (20g) and FCRs (5.1-5.2 kg DM/kg weight gain).