An experiment was conducted on 18 weaner rabbits randomly allotted to three experimental diets, containing dried tomato pomace (DTP) at 0 (D1), 10 (D2) and 15% (D3) level. The average weaning weight in three groups was 0.324 Kg. After 90 days of growth period, the average final body weights of rabbits fed D1, D2 and D3 diets were 1.287, 1.320 and 1.388 kg. There was no significant difference among body weight gain (10.7, 11.1 and 12.5 g/d) in animals fed D1, D2 and D3 diets, respectively. The mean DMI (g/d) was 36, 45 and 48, which differ significantly (P < 0.05) among three treatments. No differences for DM, OM, CP, NFE and NDF digestibility were observed, however these were significant (P< 0.05) for CF, EE and cellulose digestibility. The feed conversion efficiency was higher (P<0.05) in rabbits fed control (D1) diet (3.6), followed by rabbits fed D2 (4.09) and D3 (4.0). Cost per Kg weight gain (Rs./kg) was Rs.13.54 (D1), 13.64 (D2) and 12.52 (D3). There was reduced cost per weight gain (Rs/kg) by 1.02 in the rabbits fed DTP containing diet (D3) as compared to rabbits fed with control diet. It can be inferred that DTP can be included up to 15% level in leaf meal based rabbit diets, with improved growth rate and reduced the cost per weight gain (Rs/kg).
Digestibility, Dried tomato Pomace, Feed conversion efficiency, Rabbits
