Optimization of Biofeed plan and space requirement for rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L [manuscript]
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Date
2019
Authors
John Vincent A. Nate and Elijohn DC. Natividad
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Abstract
Rabbit raising is considered as a potential agricultural venture that can establish an alternative solution for the increasing demand of meat. By taking advantage on rabbit's feeding nature, employing feeds derived from biomass feedstock could reduce rearing expenses. These feeds must be formulated satisfying the rabbits' nutritional needs at minimum cost of production. Moreover, space requirement was another factor that can affect the rabbit's growth performance.
The study aimed to optimize a biofeed plan and space requirement for rabbits. Specifically, it aimed to formulate a pelleted diet by employing mathematical modeling that satisfied the rabbits' nutritional requirements; evaluate the physical characteristics and nutritive values of biofeeds; and evaluate the growth performances of rabbits with varying feed formulations ans space requirement for rabbits. Specifically, it aimed to formulate a pelleted diet by employing mathematical modeling that satisfied the rabbits' nutritional requirements; evaluate the physical characteritics and nutritive values of biofeeds; and evaluate the growth performance of rabbits with varying feed formulations and space requirements.
Treatments were the following: (Factor A) varying space requirements and (Factor B) varying CP and CF feed plans organized in a 3 x 4 Factorial RCBD having three (3) blockings. The thirty-six (36) CWxL rabbits at age of five (5) weeks were divided into three (3) groups randomly that were reared under three (3) different growing conditions (i.e., enclosed air-conditioned room, open rabbitry housing and under the trees' shade). Blocking temperatures was monitored and post-weaning mortality was also recorded.
Results of iptimization revealed that the soybean meal and napier hay were served as the main sources of nutrients due to their higher amounts. The biomass feedstock's total prices (₱14.87, ₱15.75 and ₱16.62 per 1 kg biofeed) were minimized while satisfying the required nutrient intervals theoretically.
The nutritive content (i.e., %CP) revealed that there were highly significant differences among the feed plans (average CP:CF ratio with the highest %CP at 26.42%; followed by high CP:CF ratio at 25.52%; and low CP:CF ratio at 22.43%).
In terms of main effects, space requirement (Factor A) had no significant effect in terms of the rabbit's BWGs and FCEs. Conversely, biofeed plan diet (Factor B) had highly significant effect on both parameters. In terms of interaction effects, it was showed a nonsignificant interaction between space requirement (Factor A) and biofeed plan diet (Factor B) for BWGs. Conversely, significant interaction effects was shows for FCEs.
The biofeeds (i.e., verage and high CP:CF ratio) were comparable on its efficacy with the commercial feeds in terms of the rabbits' BWG. Moreover, the rabbits in medium and small cages fed with commercial feeds were statistically higher from the other treatment combination in terms of FCE.