Evaluation of forage based feeding system for rabbit production in northeastern region of India

The effect of forage base feeding system for growth of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits was assessed. The rabbits (24; 65±5 d old of 922±5g BW in equal sex ratio) distributed into 4 equal groups were offered either congosignal (T₁); rice bean (T₂); soybean (T₃) or job's tears (T₄) fodders ad lib in the evening for 53 days. Digestibility of protein, fibre and calcium was higher (P<0.05) in T₂ and T₃ groups. Highest growth rate was recorded on T₃ where intake from forage was 60% in comparison to other groups. It was concluded that rabbits could utilize rice bean and soybean fodder more efficiently and up to 60 percent of their total DM intake can be met through forages.