Productive performance of rabbits fed diets based on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) or white clover (Trifolium repens)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the productive performance of rabbits fed diets based on white clover and alfalfa.

Design/methodology/approach: Rabbits have the ability to consume high fiber diets, therefore, one diet based on white clover (Diet 1) and another based on alfalfa (Diet 2), were studied. The experiment was carried out during the Autumn-Winter season of 2018. A total of 111 rabbits (males and females), weaned at 31 days of age, were used. The diets were randomly assigned to 20 cages, four to six animals each: 56 rabbits received Diet 1 and 55 received Diet 2. All the animals were offered feed and water ad libitum during the 35 days of growth. The response variables registered weekly were: live weight (LW), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion (FC). At 67 days of age, hot (HCY) and cold (CCY) carcass yields were determined.

Results: At the end of the growth period (31 to 66 days of age) the following results were obtained for diets 1 and 2 in such order, LW: 2012±36 and 1960±37 g, DWG: 32.2±1.57 and 28.4±1.60 g/animal, FC: 3.3±0.2 and 3.4±0.2 g/g, HCY: 48.0±0.5 and 55.9±0.6% and CCY: 48.1±0.5 and 55.8±0.7%.

Limitations/implications: Because no differences (P?0.05) were detected between diets, with all the response variables, more studies are needed to better know these legumes.

Findings/conclusions: White clover may completely replace alfalfa in rabbit diets.