Effects of different feeding methods on growth and slaughter performance, blood biochemical indexes and intestinal morphology in Minxinan black rabbits

Abstract

Abstract Feed restriction after weaning is a common strategy in commercial rabbit farms to improve feed efficiency, promote health and to reduce mortality. However, no study has been published on Minxinan black rabbits. The effects of feed restriction on growth and slaughter performance, intestinal morphology and serum biochemical indexes of Minxinan black rabbits were evaluated in this study. Rabbits in group A (control group) ad libitum intake, the others in feed restriction groups (groups B, C and D) were restricted by 80% of the average daily feed intake of group A the day before. The experimental period lasted 8 weeks. The results indicated that, compared with group A, diarrhea rate of feed restriction groups C was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed/gain (F/G), abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat rate, the contents of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and intestinal crypt depth of feed restriction groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). F/G of group D was significantly lower than that of groups B and C (P < 0.05). Efficiency index (EEI) of groups C and D were higher than of groups A and B (P < 0.01). Triglyceride (TG) of groups C and D were significantly lower than group A (P < 0.01). The V/C of duodenum and jejunum of group D was significantly higher than that of group A (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the F/G, diarrhea rate, abdominal fat rate, serum ALT and lipid indexes of Minxinan black rabbits can be reduced, EI and intestinal health can be improved by feed restriction. Feeding twice a day, 30% at 8:00am and 70% at 4:00pm has the best comprehensive effects.