Feeding of Lucerne Hay to Economise Feed Cost for Angora Rabbits

Twenty one weaners Angora rabbits (63 day, 0.81±0.()4 kg b.wt.), divided into 3 groups on body weight and sex basis, were fed with 120g (T₀), 100g (Tj) or 80g (T₂) mash teed. Less dietary protein (16.67%) in groups T₁ and (33.34%) in T₂ was fullfilled with 30g and 60g lucerne hay. Local grass was fed ad lib. to all the groups. Experiment run for 210 days, followed by a six day metabolism trial. DMI and digestibilities of DM, OM, CP and NFE were similar among the groups, however significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the digestibilities of CF, EE and N-retention. Wool yield of 2nd, 3rd, 4th shearing and total wool yield was similar among the groups. The study revealed that in the diets of rabbits 40g mash feed can be replaced with 60g lucerne hay (33.34% on CP basis), economically without any adverse effect on the body weight, digestibilities of the nutrients and wool yield.