Date Received: 05-06-2025
Date Published: 13-06-2025
##submissions.doi##: https://doi.org/10.31817/tckhnnvn.2012.10.1.
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Effects of Replacement of Complete Pellets with Water Spinash (Ipomoea aquatica) in the Diet on Feed Utilization and Performances of New Zealand White Growing Rabbits
,
Nguyen Thi Duong Huyen
,
Nguyen Ngoc Bang
,
Mai Thi Thom
Keywords
Digestibility, pellets, rabbits, weight gain, water spinash
Abstract
A feeding trial was carried out to determine effects of replacement of complete pellets with water spinash (Ipomoea aquatica) at different levels in the diet on feed utilization, growth rate and carcas composition of exotic rabbits. A total of 30 growing New Zealand White rabbits at 1.5 months of age were randomly divided into 5 groups to be fed diets in which 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% complete pellets was replaced with water spinach. Results showed that intake of water spinash increased accordingly with the reduced levels of complete pellets, making the total feed intake almost unchanged (P>0,05). Total tract digestibility was not affected with the different levels of replacement (P>0.05). However, the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to decline when the level of water spinash was increased in the diet, especially for those fed totally on water spinash. Nevertheless, the ADG and FCR were almost unaffected (P>0,05) when only 25% complete pellets was replaced with water spinash. Dressing percentage and proportions of fore legs, rear legs, and loin in the carcass were not significantly influenced by the replacement; whereas, the proportion of visceral organs increased with the increased levels of water spinash in the diet (P<0.05). It is therefore suggested that growing New Zealand White rabbits should not be fed totally on water spinash, but complete pellets can be replaced up to 25% with it as this level of replacement appeared to result in better economic efficacy compared with 100% complete pellets in the diet.
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