Effects of water restriction on growth performance, feed nutrient digestibility, carcass and meat traits of rabbits

Abstract

The study investigates the effects of a post-weaning water restriction on performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of 84-day-old rabbits. A total of 1388 weaned rabbits (35 days) were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of BW and sex. The two groups were fed the same diets ad libitum both in the post-weaning (35 to 60 days) and fattening (61 to 84 days) periods. In the post-weaning period, one group (AL) also received drinking water ad libitum, whereas the other (WR) had a water restriction from 35 to 41 days 2 h/day; from 42 to 48 days 2.5 h/day; from 49 to 55 days 3 h/day; and from 56 to 60 days 4 h/day. During the fattening period, both groups had water-free access. Individual live weights and feed intake per cage were recorded weekly for 32 cages randomly chosen per group (64 rabbits) to calculate the BW gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The apparent digestibility values of nutrients were measured using acid-insoluble ash. Carcass data were collected from 16 rabbits (8 males and 8 females) per group selected for similar final BW in both groups. Mortality from 35 to 60 days was higher in the AL group (10.1% v. 5.2%, for AL and WR, respectively, P , 0.0001). BW gain was higher for the AL group during both the post-weaning (122.4%, P , 0.01) and the entire period (17.5%, P , 0.05). Water restriction reduced feed intake both in the post-weaning (217.4%, P , 0.0001) and in the entire period (29.9%, P , 0.05). During the fattening period, FCR was lower for the WR group (5.15 v. 5.75 g/g, for WR and AL, respectively, P , 0.05). The apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, ADF and cellulose were greater in the restricted rabbits (14.7%, 14.5%, 110.2%, 118.8% and 112.8%, P , 0.01, P , 0.01, P , 0.05, P , 0.01, P , 0.05, respectively). Perirenal and scapular fat percentages were higher in the AL rabbits (130.7% and 1116.6%, P , 0.01 and P , 0.001, respectively). Water restriction increased saturated fatty acids (C16:0, 112.9%, P , 0.05), lauroleic acid (C12:1, 175.0%, P , 0.01), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (C20:5, 150.0%, P , 0.01 and C22:5, 116.6%, P , 0.05) and the n-3/n-6 ratio (128.6%, P , 0.05). The applied water restriction between 35 and 60 days executed during the winter months improved the digestive health of rabbits, with no negative effects on carcass traits, or physical and chemical meat characteristics. However, from the animal welfare point of view, a water restriction can be criticized as a method to restrict feed intake.

A 3-week feed restriction after weaning as an alternative to a medicated diet: effects on growth, health, carcass and meat traits of rabbits of two genotypes

“…In line with other authors (Tumova et al, 2006;Bovera et al, 2013) who observed no effect of limited feed intake on physical and chemical characteristics of meat, in this study the feed restriction did not influence meat quality and tended only to reduce the meat fat content, which corresponded with slightly higher cooking losses, whereas the tendency towards an higher pH in L-M was so weak as to be considered negligible.…”

“…As reported in the review of Gidenne et al (2012), the methods used to control rabbit feed intake differ in terms of duration and intensity, but commonly involve a limited feeding time or a reduced supply of feed; studies have also examined energy (Szendrő et al, 2008;Metzger et al, 2009;Pascual et al, 2014) and water restriction (Bovera et al, 2013). Nevertheless, only Matics et al (2008) studied the effects of a post-weaning feed restriction compared directly with the dietary use of antibiotics, whereas there is a lack of information regarding these effects in relation to the growth potential of rabbits genotypes.…”

“…In this regard, Gidenne et al (2012) and Bovera et al (2013) reported that compensatory growth associated with free intake following a period of limited feed intake favours the rapid growth of digestive organs, such as the liver.…”

Thyme oil (Thyme vulgaris L.) as a natural growth promoter for broiler chickens reared under hot climate

“…Feeding strategies are the most practical ways to alleviate the negative effects of high environmental temperatures on animal performance, health status and immunity (Attia et al 2009;Bovera et al 2013;Akbarian et al 2014).…”

Effects of Intermittent Lighting on Broiler Growth Performance, Slaughter Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Tibia Parameters

“…Environmental factors, such as light and temperature, are known to affect performance in broilers (Attia et al, 2011;Bovera et al, 2013). In many areas, broilers are commonly provided continuous or near continuous illumination.…”