Performance of rabbits fed diets with varying concentrate and fodder ratio in north eastern region of Tripura

A study on growth performance of 24 male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits was conducted to work out an economical feeding system. Rabbits were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 6 animals each. Animals in group T-1 were provided only concentrate mixture whereas in group T-2, T-3 and T-4 were provided concentrate mixture and cowpea in ratio of 75: 25, 50: 50 and 25: 75 on DM basis, respectively. The study was conducted for 42 days. From 28 day onwards, BW was higher in T-1 followed by T-2, T-3 and T-4. Total weight gain and ADG (g/d) were significantly higher in T-1. Total DMI and DMI (g/d) were significantly higher in T-4 than other groups. Feed efficiency was highest in T-1 and lowest in T-4. The average value of DM, CP, EE, TA and NFE digestibility were unaffected. But CF digestibility was significantly higher in T-3 than T-2. Blood urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly lower in T-4 than other groups. Lowest cost of production and highest net profit/kg live weight of rabbit was observed in T-1 than other groups. Net profit per rabbit was highest in T-1 and lowest in T-4. It was concluded that weight gain of about 12g/d can be achieved in NZW rabbit maintained either on concentrate mixture or concentrate mixture with cowpea in the ratio of 75: 25 or 50: 50 without any adverse effect in hot humid climate of Tripura.