Feed forms of different particle sizes: growth response, carcass yield and intestinal villus morphology of growing rabbits

Abstract

Several studies revealed inconsistencies in recommended feed particle size for optimal growth and productive performance of rabbits. Information on the interaction effect of feed form and feed particle size on rabbit’s growth performance and gut morphology is thereby a growing concern. Hence, the growth response, carcass yield and intestinal villus morphology of thirty-six growing male rabbits of mixed breeds (Chinchilla × New Zealand White) weighing between 550-600g were determined using two feed forms (FF): pellets and crumbs of different particle sizes (PS): 1 and 2 mm. The rabbits were allotted on weight equalization basis to crumbs and pellets composed of 1 and 2 mm PS in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental layout and subjected to Completely Randomized Design. Nine (9) rabbits were assigned to each treatment made of three replicates of three rabbits each. The rabbits were maintained on concentrate diets ad libitum for 10 weeks. Two rabbits per replicate with representative mean live weight were selected for carcass evaluation at the 10th week and the remaining one was used for intestinal villus morphology. FF and PS significantly (P<0.05) influenced the cost/kg feed but did not influence the growth responses. Rabbits on 1mm PS feed had a higher (P<0.05) dressing percentage (65.61 %) than 2 mm. Also, rabbits fed crumbs containing 1 mm PS recorded the highest dressing percentage. Rabbits on 1mm PS feed had a higher (P<0.05) lamina propria depth (172.50 µm) and apical width (52.50 µm) of ileum. Significant (P<0.05) interaction effects were observed for lamina propria depth (LPD) and basal width with rabbits fed crumbs of 1 mm PS having the highest LPD. It was concluded that carcass yield of growing rabbits could be optimized by feeding pellets or crumbs of 1mm particle size.

Evaluation of Sex and Feed form on Growth Performance, Carcass Yield, Economic Benefit and Serum Biochemistry of Rabbit

“…influenced by feed form. The result of feed form on cost benefits in this study was in agreement with the report of Sogunle et al 13 which states that feed form and particle size had no significant (p>0.05) effects on the parameters measured. The cost of pelletizating will be higher than the mash feed because of the cost of pelletizing.…”

“…The study agreed with the findings of Laxmi et al 14 who reported no significant effect of sex on body weight of rabbits reared under different systems. The result of this study was also in line with the report of Sogunle et al 13 who stated that feed form and particle size had no significant effects on the parameters measured.…”

“…This was in agreement with the findings of Okanlawon et al 10 and Bello et al 12 who reported that sex had no effect on growth performance parameter measured (body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) of rabbits. Feed form did not affect some parameters of rabbit and the findings of the effect of feed form in this study agreed with that of Sogunle et al 13 who studied that feed form and particle size had no significant effects on the parameters measured except in the cost per kilogram feed. The observed similarity supported earlier research showing that grain particle size had a greater influence in mash feeds than in pelletized feeds 4 the incapacity of rabbits to distinguish between favored feed ingredients in pellets and crumbs may be the main cause of this.…”

A comparative analysis of locally sourced feeding systems on chicken body weight gain in Malaysia

“…Specifically, the size of grain particles and feed composition during the initial growth stages can profoundly affect chicken growth performance. Further processing methods, such as pelleting and crumbing, also play a role in influencing growth (Sogunle et al, 2013).…”

Effects of Colored Polymer Light and Feed Forms on the Performance of Broiler Chickens in the Humid Tropical Climate

“…The birds fed pelletized feed performed better compared to those fed mash feed. According to Sogunle OM et al [29], the effect of the particle size of diets on broiler performance is confounded by the complexity of the diet and further processing methods. Pelleting is an expensive process, but its use is justified on the basis of the performance improvements.…”