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Articles
by
M. M. Adua |
Total Records (
1 ) for
M. M. Adua |
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A. Yakubu
,
A. E. Salako
,
A. O. Ladokun
,
M. M. Adua
and
T.U. K. Bature
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Effects of feed restriction on performance, carcass
yield, relative organ weights and some linear body measurements were
investigated in weaner rabbits in a sub-humid environment in north central
Nigeria. Twenty four weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes with an
average initial weight of 804.17±71.20g were used for the study which
lasted six weeks. There were three dietary treatments consisting of diet
A, ad libitum (24 hrs) feeding (control), diet B, 8 hrs per day
feeding (7.00 a.m-3.00 p.m) and diet C, skip-a-day feeding. This feeding
arrangement was carried out within the first five weeks of the experiment,
after which all the animals in the three treatment groups were fed ad
libitum for one week. Animals were fed pelletized commercial grower`s
feed supplemented with Centrosema pubescens. Drinking water was also
supplied ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment. Each
treatment group was replicated four times while each replicate comprised
two rabbits housed in the same cage. The initial and final body weights,
feed conversion ratio, mortality, fasted weight, slaughter weight, carcass
weight and dressing percentage were not significantly (p>0.05) affected
by feed restriction. However, average weekly feed intake (454.94, 356.36
and 331.48g) and average weekly body weight gains (1137.50, 1127.50 and
1007.50g) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced; with higher values
recorded among rabbits fed ad libitum compared to those on 8
hrs feeding per day and skip-a-day feeding respectively. There were no
significant differences (p>0.05) in relative weights of liver, kidneys,
spleen and heart among the treatment groups. Significant difference
(p<0.05) was found in the relative weight of lungs, with rabbits on 8
hrs feeding per day and those on skip-a-day feeding having an edge over
those fed ad libitum (0.61 versus 0.50). There were no significant
differences (p>0.05) in heart girth, body length, face length and ear
length among the dietary treatments studied. The present results have
indicated that feed restriction could be exploited in the feeding regimen
of rabbits, especially in periods of inadequate supply of concentrates and
forages. |
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