Incorporation of Tomato Pomace in the Diet of Rabbits

Twenty one Soviet chinchilla weaner males (42d, 526 ±21g), divided into three groups, were fed complete diets containing 0 (T₁), 10 (T₂ and 20% (T₃))ried tomato pomace (TP) upto 84d of age. Incorporation of tomato pomace (TP) increased (P<0.0S) feed intake and digestibilities of EE and CF. CP digestibility however, decreased (P<0.05) above 10% TP. Nitrogen balances were higher (P<0.05) despite higher nitrogen (P<0.05) intake and excretion oh TP diets. DCP decreased (P<0.01) above 10% level of TP whereas, TDN values increased (P<0.05) on TP incorportion. Dressing per cent was not affected, however, Feed: Gain showed a decreasing trend with an increase in TP level. Optimum level of TP was 13.2% in the diet of growing rabbits, on the basis of regression analysis.