The use of commercial enzymes to improve diets contained peanut hay on performance of growing rabbits [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of partial or complete replacement of clover hay by PNH (33.3, 66.7 and 100%) with or without adding enzymes in the diets of growing rabbits. A total number of 72 unsexed, weaned New Zealand WhIte rabbits of 6 week.s old were randomly divided into six experimental groups (12 rabbits/group). Six pelleted experimental diets were formulated to be approximately isocaloric and isonitrogenou5 to cover the recommended nutrient reqUifements of rabbits. Clover hay was replaced by peanut hay (PNH) at the rate of O. 15, 30 without or with 19m adding commercial enzymes per kg diet The experimental period extended for 8 weeks. Results showed that, rabbit groups fed 15% PNH diets either with or without enzyme addition had significantly higher finallive body weight (LBW), daily body weight gain (DBWG), daily feed consumption (DFC), performance index and protein content of carcass meat as compared to 30% PNH and control diets with or without enzyme. Rabbits fed diet contained 15% PNH with enzyme had the best one for feed conversion ratio (FeR) compared with the other experimental groups. Higher economic efficiency was found with all diets contained PNH as compared to control diet without enzyme. Digestibility coefficients of the OM, OM, CP, CF, and TON were significantly increased for rabbits group received 15% PNH diet with enzyme addition while, the lower values were recorded with those fed control diet without enzyme. NFE digestibility increased by partial or complete substitution of clover hay with PNH with or without enzyme addition in the rabbit diets Insignificant differences were found among dietary treatments in EE digestibility and DCP. Dressing percentage was significantly increased and hot carcass weight (%) was insignificantly increased obtained with rabbits fed 30% PNH with enzyme than other groups, Lower fat and ash content of carcass meat were noticed with rabbits fed control and 15% PNH diets both with enzyme. However, adding the enzyme was resulted in lowering percentage of total non-carcass fat weight. Ammonia-N were significantly higher for rabbits fed 15% PNH diet without enzyme. Higher TVFA's was noticed with rabbits fed 15% PNH containing diet with enzyme. Insignificant differences were found among rabbits fed the experimental diets in total protein, albumin and enzymes activity of liver (AST & ALT). Hipher globulin and Total cholesterol levels found for rabbits fed 30% PNH diet with enzyme than other groups. Glucose level was significantly higher for the control diets compared with diets containing PNH. Urea and creatinine levels in the blood were comparable for all diets except for control diets with enzyme, as it recorded lower concentration. It might be safe to conclude that, groWing rabbits fed diets containing PNH; supplemented with commercial enzymes could be used as feed supplement in the diet of rabbits. So, it can be used 15% PNH as a good replace of clover hay without any adverse effect on rabbit performance.

Summary in Arabic.

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