Replacement Effect of Roughage by Kitchen Waste on Growth Performance of Rabbit

We conducted the current study to evaluate the replacement effect of roughage by kitchen waste on growth performance, serum-biochemical profile and nutrient digestibility of growing rabbit. Forty-five weaned crossbred New Zealand White growing rabbits (aged about 40 days) were distributed into three treatment groups in a completely randomized design for 30 days. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly differed among the treatment groups, where the highest feed conversion ratio was found in 40 gm concentrate and ad libitum kitchen waste group. The nutrient digestibility of different proximate components differed significantly (p<0.05) among different treatment groups. The digestibility of dry matter and crude fiber, and availability of ash were found the highest (63.45%, 56.47% and 63.53%, respectively) in the T3 group (kitchen waste group). The digestibility of crude protein (63.53%), ether extract (56.78%) and nitrogen-free extract (56.71%) was the highest in the T2 treatment group (Roadside grass group). The serum biochemical parameters like- total protein, albumin, phosphorus, calcium, glucose, creatinine, urea and SGPT varied significantly among the treatment groups but the values were within the normal limits. The kitchen waste might be efficiently used as a roughage replacer in broiler rabbit diet without affecting the performance of the animals.

Keywords: Cost-Benefit; Nutrient digestibility; FCR; Serum Biochemistry.