Inclusion of hydroponic green corn fodder in rabbit feeding

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of inclusion of hydroponic green forage corn (FVHM) in the diet of rabbits and its effect on growth and carcass conformation characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach: Five inclusion treatments were established, in the daily diet of tepexpan® brand commercial balanced feed (ABC) and hydroponic green corn fodder (FVHM), in the following proportions (ABC:FVHM): T1:100:00, T2: 75:25, T3:50:50, T4: 25:75, and T5: 00:100. The FVHM was harvested and used 10 days after planting. The treatments were evaluated in 45 weaned rabbits, in a completely randomized design for 30 days. The productive performance variables were daily weight gain, live weight, carcass weight and carcass yield. Digestive tract organs were measured.

Results: Higher productive performance and better carcass conformation were found in the rabbits of T1, fed with concentrate, followed by T2 and T3 in a 75:25 y 50:50 ratios. The T3 rabbits presented lower productive performance during growth and carcass yield.

Limitations on study/implications: It is suggested to continue investigating the inclusion of FVHM below 50% in the diet.

Findings/conclusions: The inclusion of hydroponic green corn forage in ranges of 25 to 50% maintains the productive performance of rabbits, higher percentages of inclusion affect feeding efficiency.

Keywords: feeding, rabbits, hydroponic fodder