Effect of Feeding Broom Grass (Thysanolaena maxima) to Rabbits

Eighteen rabbits (10–12 weeks old) were divided in three groups. First group was fed solely on broom grass (T₁), second group was offered 100% dried and ground broom grass (T₂) and a combination of 40% dried and ground broom grass with 60% concentrate was given to the last group (T₃) for a period of 105 days. Broom grass feeding had a significant (P≤0.05) effect on growth and DMI of rabbits. Daily weight gain of rabbits averaged as 9.76±0.35, 11.78±0.48 and 15.73±0.74 g/day respectively for groups T₁, T₂ and T₃. Average daily DMI was recorded as 106.99±0.50, 112.65±0.69 and 115.72±0.84 gday in corresponding treatment groups. It was concluded that broom grass can be fed to rabbits with advantage, only if it is processed (dried and ground) and mixed with concentrate mixture up to 40% level.