Nutrient Digestibility and Physiological Parameters of Crossbreed Weaner Rabbits Provided Dehydrated Bovine Rumen Digesta

Abstract

The effect of dehydrated bovine rumen digesta (DBRD) on crossbreed weaner rabbits were tested. A total of 48 fourweeks-old crossbreed (New Zealand × Chinchilla) weaner rabbits of average initial weight of 0.88±0.02 to 0.92±0.02kg were assigned randomly into four dietary treatment groups with three replicates of four rabbits each. Dietary treatments include: DBRD0, DBRD5, DBRD10, and DBRD15. Body weight and daily weight gain of crossbreed weaner rabbits that consumed DBRD15 were higher (P<0.05) compared to those in other groups. Rabbits on DBRD15 consumed less (P<0.05) diet than those provided DBRD5 and control (DBRD0) diet. Rabbits that consume DBRD15 had the lowest (P<0.05) feed gain ratio value than those fed in other groups. Rabbits fed DBRD15 recorded the highest (P<0.05) digestibility of crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and dry matter (DM). The digestibility of crude fat increased (P<0.05) in crossbreed weaner rabbits fed DBRD10 and DBRD15. Rabbits fed DBRD10 and DBRD15 had the highest (P<0.05) hemoglobin and packed cell volume production. Red blood cell production was significantly higher (P<0.05) for crossbreed weaner rabbits that consumed DBRD15. Rabbits fed dietary DBRD10 and DBRD15 had the lowest (P<0.05) lymphocyte counts than those provided the control (DBRD0) diet. The carcass weight was higher (P<0.05) for rabbits fed DBRD15. There was an increased (P<0.05) length of the large intestine for rabbits fed DBRD10 and DBRD15. Liver, heart, kidney, spleen, and lungs weights were higher (P<0.05) for rabbits fed DBRD10 and DBRD15. We concluded that 15% graded levels of DBRD improved the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and health status of crossbreed weaner rabbits.