Growth performance and carcass characteristics as affected by stocking density in cage-reared rabbits

Abstract

Thirty (30) unsexed weaned rabbits (aged 6 weeks) were reared to examine how stocking density affected their growth  and carcass features. Four (4) stocking densities; 6300, 3150, 2100, and 1575 rabbit/cm² were considered and they  constituted treatments 1 to 4 accordingly. Each treatment was replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. As  such, treatment 1 contained one rabbit per cage, treatment 2 – two rabbits, treatment 3 – three rabbits and treatment 4  – four rabbits per cage respectively. Necessary sanitary precautions were observed before commencing the study.  Commercial feeds were offered to the rabbits ad libitum for a period of nine weeks. Data were collected on dry matter consumption and growth. At the end of the study, carcass characteristics of rabbits from each treatment was  determined. Results from the study revealed that the highest final live body weight (1727.00g), best feed conversion  ratio (3.84) and best weight gain (1185.33g) were recorded in rabbits kept at 6300 rabbit/cm² (treatment1). Rabbit  housed at 2100 rabbits/cm² (treatment3) had the least growth and carcass parameters. Some carcass characteristics,  including the eviscerated weight, thigh, liver, lungs, forefeet, heart, and intestine, were significantly impacted by  stocking density. Stocking density had no effect on the other carcass attributes. Rabbits stocked at 6300 rabbits/cm² (treatment1) had the highest eviscerated weight (917.00g), thigh (3.94%) and liver weight (3.29%). The statistical analysis  showed a significant difference (p˂0.05) in some of the carcass characteristics, but the growth metrics were similar (P. >0.05). Stocking density did not affect performance characteristics but rabbits may not be stocked beyond  3150cm² for utmost performance.