Effects of varying levels of dietary protein on the performance of rabbits

Abstract

Sixteen Newzealand White rabbits aged 9.5 ± 0.5 weeks weighing 0.72-0.99kg were used to evaluate the experimental rations which allowed for good weight gain. They were divided into 4 groups and allotted four different diets for the treatment groups with 10, 13, 16 and 20% CP. Feed intake (Fl) for the treatment groups were 58.52, 61.46, 57.35, and 61.06g while average daily gain (ADG) were 4.22, 4.35, 5.32 and 6.02g for the groups. There were significant increase (P<0.01) in the digestibility of CP, EE and NFE within the treatment groups. Diets containing 16-20% CP may provide adequate nutrients for optimum weight gain of Newzealand rabbits.

Keywords: Dietary protein, level, rabbit, performance.