Carcass Characteristics of Growing Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of <i>Acacia albida</i> Pods

Abstract

In an 84-day feeding trial, the effect of feeding varying dietary levels of Acacia albida pods (AAP) on the carcass parameters of growing rabbits was studied. AAP was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels in diets, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The diets
and clean drinking water were provided ad libitum. At the end of the study, five rabbits (3 males and 2 females) were slaughtered to obtain carcass data. The slaughter weights (1532.9, 1484.0 and 1478.0 g), dressed weight (757.24, 771.48 and 759.08 g), hot carcass weight (757.24, 771.48 and 759.08 g) and cold carcass weight (751.13, 765.28 and 748.86 g) of rabbits on diets 1, 2, and 3 respectively were superior (p<0.05) to those on diets 4 and 5. Similarly, shoulder, rack and loin were heavier (p<0.05) for diets 1, 2, and 3 than 4 and 5. Thigh did not differ significantly (p>0.05) among the diets. However the weight of head, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), stomach, caecum and kidney fat differed significantly (p<0.05) between the groups. Dressing percentage was highest for rabbits on diet 2(52.0%) while diets 4 (48.99%) and 5 (48.21%) had the least. From the study,
including more than 20% AAP in the diet of growing rabbits could have adverse effect on their meat yield and carcass characteristics.

Keywords: Rabbits, Acacia albida pods, carcass components

Sahel Journal of Veterinary Science Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 45-50