The effect of breeds and feed restriction level on serum biochemical response of rabbits

Abstract EN

The aim of this study was to estimate the rabbit’ breed effect (Red Baladi (RB), and New Zealand White (NZW) breeds), fed ad libitum for the first 11 weeks of age then were shifted to the restriction feed for two weeks starting at 11th and 12nd weeks of age, till 15th week of age on body weight gain, mortality rate, and serum biochemical phenotypes.

Rabbits were allocated into three groups; control, 60 %, and 80% from ad libitum feeding to the restricted feed trial implement.

Growth performance traits and serum biochemical indices were measured weekly.

During the feed restricted period, the body weight gain was negatively affected in restriction feed groups compared to the control group.

However, the average weekly weight gain and feed intake or the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were affected (P ≤ 0.05) by either feed restriction or breed over the entire experimental period.

Mortality rate (%) was entirely zero for all studied groups.

Although the feed restriction had reduced (P ≤ 0.05) the total protein (g / dl), triglycerides, (mg / dl), LDL cholesterol (mg / dl) and ALT (U / L), AST (U / L) enzymes, but ALP (U / L) and total cholesterol (mg / dl) did not affect after two weeks of feeding.

In conclusion, restriction feeding for growing rabbits starting from 11th weeks of age for two weeks is recommended to improve the serum biochemical indices and therefore the growth performance.