Effects of Proportion of Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) and Gigantea leaves (Trichanthera gigantea) in the Diet on Feed Utilization and Growth Performance of New Zealand White Rabbits

Abstract

         A feeding trial was carried out to determine effects of proportion of Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) and Gigantea leaves (Trichanthera gigantea) in the diet on feed utilization and growth performance of exotic rabbits. A total of 30 New Zealand White rabbits at 1.5 months of age were randomly divided into 5 groups to be fed diets in which 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% Para grass was replaced with Gigantea leaves. Results showed that inclusion of Gigantea leaves in the diet to replace Para grass improved feed intake and growth without significantly affecting the carcass composition of the rabbit. It was suggested that Gigantea leaves can be used as a sole source of green foliage in the diet for this type of animal. However, there should be further investigation with diets in which higher levels of protein (>16% CP) and lower level of fiber (<42% NDF) to determine protein and fiber requirements in the diet of growing New Zealand White rabbits.