Dehydrated citrus pulp in rabbit feeding

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dehydrated orange by-product on the productive parameters, carcass yield, and meat quality of rabbits in the fattening stage. Four diets with increasing levels of orange by-products (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were evaluated, each with six replicates of two 32-day-old crossbred rabbits that were randomly allocated. The experimental period was from 32 to 70 days of age of the rabbits. A higher weight gain (p < 0.05) was achieved for observed with 20% substitution, along with a better feed conversion, without any effects on carcass yield and meat quality parameters. The treatment with 30% citrus pulp showed no differences (p > 0.05) in the parameters evaluated. Based on our results, dehydrated orange by-product can replace up to 30% of the commercial feed concentrate without affecting performance, yield, and carcass quality in rabbits feeding since 32 to 72 days of age.