Effect of using some local sources of protein on productive and reproductive performance of rabbits [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of replacing 25 % of soybean meal protein in diets by each of dried portulaca oleracea leaves, azolla pinnata and berseem seeds by-products (okaba) on productive and reproductive performance of New Zealand White (NZW) does rabbits. A total number of 48 breeding (NZW) rabbit does and 12 bucks (6 month old) with nearly similar weights and divided at random into four groups (12 does and 3 bucks in each). First group was fed pelleted diet contains soybean as the main source of protein as a control, in the other three diets substituted 25% of soybean meal protein for control diet by dried portulaca oleracea leaves, azolla pinnata and okaba seeds proteins, during the experimental periods. The experimental rations were formulated isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Results of the experiment showed that feeding diets containing different sources of protein had no significantly effect on does weight and weight gain at the end of experimental period. The highest values of conception rate and number of parturition /doe were obtained when does fed on the control ration (79.43 % and 4.03), respectively. The highest means litter size and litter weight at birth and at weaning age were recorded by rabbits fed control diet, followed by those fed portulaca, azolla and okaba diets. The okaba group showed the highest total feed intake value followed by those fed on azolla, while group fed soybean meal consumed the lowest total feed intake amount during the lactation period. The highest milk yield during suckling period was recorded by okaba group as compared to other groups. The best feed conversion value was recorded by rabbits fed diet contains okaba, while the rabbits fed azolla diet had the worst feed conversion for bunny gain. The highest values of bunny weight at birth, weaning and gain were recorded by okaba group as compared to other groups. The percentages of pre-weaning mortality among experimented groups were significantly differ. The lowest percentage of pre-weaning mortality rate (4.35%) was obtained by does fed okaba diet. From economical efficiency point, control group recorded the highest net return and economic efficiency followed by portulaca and azolla treatments, however okaba group had the lowest net return and economic efficiency.

Summary in Arabic.

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