Effect of replacing hay by sugar beet pulp in growing rabbit diets on some productive, metabolic responses and economical efficiency

Abstract EN

A total number of 30 unsexed, 6 weeks old growing New Zealand white rabbits were randomly distributed into to five dietary treatments to study the effect of using the replacement of sugar beet pulp (SBP ) by hay at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% on some productive, metabolic responses and the economical efficiency.

The data revealed that, feed intake increased (P<0.05) by increasing SBP level more than 25% up to 100% during the entire experimental period (6 to 16 weeks of age).

However, rabbits fed dietary 25% SBP recorded the best feed conversion compared with other dietary treatments.

The best (P<0.05) carcass % was recorded for rabbits fed 25 and 50% SBP diet compared with control diet.

The digestibility of CF increased by increasing SBP level in rabbit diet up to 75%.

Rabbits fed dietary 100% SBP recorded the greatest (P<0.05) values of blood total protein, globulin and calcium compared with other dietary treatments.

The greatest economical efficiency and relative economical efficiency values were calculated for rabbits fed 25% however, all SBP diets economically surpassed the control one.