A response of nutrient and metabolized energy intakes and growth performance of crossbred rabbits to feeding strategies and dietary Pophocarpus scanden supplementation in Brachiaria mutica diets
A study was conducted at the experimental farm and laboratory of Can tho University to evaluate feed utilization, and growth performance of 96 crossbred rabbits (New Zealand x Local). The experiment was arranged in a 2x4 factorial design. The first factor was feeding strategies (separate and mix) and second factor was levels of Psophocarpus scanden (PS) supplementation (0, 25, 50 and 75%, DM basis) in Para grass as basal diets, with three replications and 4 rabbits per experimental unit. The results indicate that values of nutrients and ME intakes were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the separate feeding. The CP and EE intakes gradually increased (P<0.05) when increasing the levels of Psophocarpus scanden in the diets. The daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the rabbits fed in separation diet and 75% PS supplementation were improved (P<0.05). It was concluded that separated feeding and 75% Psophocarpus scanden supplementation had better growth rate and gave higher economic return.
