Carcass characteristics of rabbits fed different forages as supplement

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to determine the carcass characteristics of weaned rabbits fed selected forages as feed supplement. A total number  of thirty-six (36) weaned mixed breed of rabbits were allotted randomly to four (4) treatments with nine (9) rabbits per treatment and further replicated three (3) times with three rabbit per replicate and designated as Control (T1) concentrate plus (+) Amaranthus, (T2) concentrate  plus (+) tridax, (T3) concentrate plus (+) fig leaves, (T4) concentrate plus (+) water melon waste. The experiment lasted for eight (8) weeks. Data were generated on carcass characteristics, internal organs, by-products. Results obtained revealed that the value of carcass traits, internal organs and by-products were not significantly (P>0.05) different for all the parameters obtained except for liver and lungs (internal organs), pelts (skin) and  hind legs (by-products). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that T1 (concentrate plus Amaranthus), was better than other treatment groups and therefore can be used as supplement to concentrate feed.

Keywords: Rabbits, supplements, carcass, characteristics, forages