The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of protein and energy lev els in the diets of early weaned rabbits on the growth performance and general health. Two groups of growing New :zealand White rabbits (18 each) weaned either at 26 or 35 days old, each was subdivided into 3 subgroups, each of 6 kits. Three diets were for mulated to contain three levels of crude protein (16 &18 and 19.2 %) with three levels of energy (2522, 2831 and 3008 kcal DE I Kg diet, respectively). Each subgroup of rab bits was assigned randomly to one of the three diets from time of weaning till end of the experiment (84 days age). Body weight of the rabbits and consumed diets were weekly recorded and the:feed conversion ratio was calculated as well 3 rabbits from each subgroup were slaughtered at end of the experiment for determination of car cass traits. Blood samples were collected from the ear vein of the rabbits at end of ex periment to separate sera for analyzing the total protein, albumin, cholesterol and total lipid. The results revealed that early weaned. rabbits may need to feed diet containing 18% CP and 2831 kcal DE I Kg diet for nearly 24 days after weaning and then after the excess of dietary protein and energy than the recommended levels would be not beneficial in achieving more body development or weight gain. Increasing the dietary protein level or the energy concentration of the diet would formulated for the late weaned (35 days) rabbits than the recommended levels is not advisable, even more, feeding the high protein (19.2 %) high energy (3008 kcal DE /kg) levels resulted in neg ative effect ( low body weight}. Niether the age of weaning nor the dietary levels of CP or DE ciffect the dressed carcass, body organs (liver, kidney & heart) or abdominal fat percentages. Also, proximate chemical composition of liver and leg muscles showed no significant d!fferences due to levels of dietary CP & DE or age of weaning. Results of serum metabolites determination showed no specific trends
M, O. (2010). Effect of dietary protein and energy levels on growth and health of early weaned rabbits. Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal, 12(1), 133-151. doi: 10.21608/mvmj.2010.183685
MLA
Orma M. "Effect of dietary protein and energy levels on growth and health of early weaned rabbits". Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal, 12, 1, 2010, 133-151. doi: 10.21608/mvmj.2010.183685
HARVARD
M, O. (2010). 'Effect of dietary protein and energy levels on growth and health of early weaned rabbits', Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal, 12(1), pp. 133-151. doi: 10.21608/mvmj.2010.183685
VANCOUVER
M, O. Effect of dietary protein and energy levels on growth and health of early weaned rabbits. Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal, 2010; 12(1): 133-151. doi: 10.21608/mvmj.2010.183685
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