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Livestock-Based Farming Systems, Renewable Resources and the Environment |
A study was conducted at the experimental farm and laboratory of Can Tho University to measure feed utilization, nutrient digestibility and growth performance of crossbred rabbits fed combinations of Centrocema pubescens and Para grass (20:80, 40:60, 60:40 and 80:20) either as mixtures or each offered separately. The design was a factorial 4*2 with 3 replications and 4 rabbits per experimental unit. DM intake gradually increased with increasing levels of Centrocema pubescens in the diet. The apparent digestibility coefficients of NDF and CP and the N retention were higher for the rabbits offered separate feeds and for the combination of 80:20 Centrocema pubescens and Para grass. The N-NH3 and volatile fatty acids in caecum fluid were higher for separate feeding and with increasing levels of Centrocema pubescens in the diet. The daily weight gain, and weights of carcass, breast and thigh meat were higher for rabbits offered separate feeds and for the ration of 80:20 Centrocema pubescens and Para grass.