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Effect of Feed Protein Source on Digestion and Wool Production in Angora Rabbit |
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R. S. Bhatt, R. K. Sawal, A. Mahajan |
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| Abstract |
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Adult German cross (German횞British횞Russian) angora rabbits (one year age), 32 in number were divided randomly into four groups (T1-T4) with equal sex ratio and fed diets containing T1 groundnut cake (GNC); T3, soyaflakes (SF); T4, sunflower cake (SFC) and T2, a mixture of all the three cakes along with green forage as roughage for a period of 9 months. Nine per cent protein was added from each protein source. Fibre level was maintained by adjusting the level of rice phak in the diets. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and contained similar level of fibre. DMI through roughage was not affected due to source of protein in the diet, however, DMI through concentrate was higher (p<.05) with SFC diet, which resulted in higher total feed intake in the group (T4). Body weights increased up to second shearing, thereafter it decreased due to summer depression. Diet containing soyaflakes sustained higher wool yield whereas, it was lowest (p<.05) on SFC diet. Wool attributes (staple length, medullation, fibre diameter) were not affected due to source of protein in the diet. Digestibility of fibre and its fractions (ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose) decreased (p<.05) with incorporation of SFC in the diets. Balance of calcium was lowest whereas, that of nitrogen was highest with SFC diet (T4). Biological value of N and net protein utilization was better when different protein sources were mixed together (T2). Protein quality of soyaflakes proved better for wool production followed by groundnut cake and mixture of three protein sources. Sunflower cake alone or in combination decreased wool production which may be checked by supplementation of amino acids and energy. |
| Keywords:
Protein Source; Digestibility; Wool Growth |
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