Growth and carcass traits of the rabbit a comparative study of three modes of feed rationing during fattening

The effects of three modes of feed rationing were measured on 121 rabbits kept in individual cages for between 35 and 77 days. Each of the three groups received the same quantity of food rationed differently before and after 56 days. The rabbits that received the most liberal mode of rationing after 56 days showed the best results (growth and conversion index) over the entire period of fattening. The worst results were for those with the most restrained mode of rationing after 56 days. Finally the rabbits given a consistently moderate mode of rationing between 35 and 77 days showed intermediate performances. A feeding-up stage induced a large compensatory growth rate for those rabbits whose rationing was initially restricted. The relative growth rate of the liver, full digestive tract and adipose tissue was very significant during the feeding-up stage. The rate of skeletal development, on the other hand, was very restricted. Restricted feeding after 56 days mainly hindered the relative growth of adipose tissue whilst preserving skeletal and muscle development. At the end of the fattening period, the rabbits that were given increased rations after 56 days had a batter carcass yield, with a smaller head proportion and lower muscle pH. However, the proportion of both the liver and the muscle/bone ratio of the carcass were higher.