Effects of the Levels of Setaria Grass (Setaria sphacelata) and Sweet Potato Vines (Ipomoea batatas) in the Diet on Feed Utilization and Performance of Growing New Zealand White Rabbits

Abstract

     A feeding trial was carried out to determine effects of the contents of fiber and protein in feed intake on feed utilization and growth performance of exotic rabbits. A total of 30 growing New Zealand White rabbits at 1.5 months of age were randomly divided into 5 groups to be fed diets composed of paddy rice (2% live weight) and setaria grass (Setaria sphacelata) given ad libitum , which was replaced with with sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% to vary the levels of the fiber and protein in the diet. Results showed that increases in the level of replacement of fiber-rich setarria grass up to 75% with protein-rich sweet potato vines resulted in increased intakes of dietary dry matter and protein, improved digestibility and thus increased growth rate along with reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, a too high level of sweet potato vines (100%) resulted in no further improvement in the growth rate. The ratio of setarria grass to sweet potato vines did not significantly affect compostion of the body and the carcass. It was suggested that a diet for growing New Zealand rabbits should ensure at least around 16% CP and 40% NDF in the dry mater intake.