Effect of alfalfa and dietary fiber on the growth performance of weanling rabbits

Lab Anim Sci. 1978 Apr;28(2):167-72.

Abstract

The addition of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% sun-cured alfalfa meal to a high-energy, low-fiber, basal diet for weanling rabbits gave increased average daily gains as compared to gain on the basal diet. Deaths from enteritis complex occurred only at the 0% and 10% alfalfa levels. When 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% alfalfa meal were used, the average daily gains were numerically higher for all alfalfa-fed groups than for the basal diet. Maximum gains were achieved at the 20% alfalfa level. Alfalfa extracted with 95% ethanol retained its growth-stimulating effect when added to the basal diet. Feed preference trials gave conflicting results. In one trial, the basal diet was preferred over all alfalfa diets in a two-choice feed preference test, while in a second trial, all alfalfa diets were preferred over the basal diet. It was concluded that the growth of weaning rabbits fed a high energy diet was improved by the addition of alfalfa meal.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed*
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Cellulose*
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology
  • Diarrhea / veterinary
  • Dietary Fiber*
  • Medicago sativa*
  • Rabbits / growth & development*
  • Weaning

Substances

  • Dietary Fiber
  • Cellulose