Ethogram of rabbits on concentrate feed with and without moringa pods

Twelve female New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into six pairs, based on their body weight. One animal from each pair was allotted to one of the two groups, viz. control and test and housed in the separate cages. All the rabbits were fed concentrate made from left-over of cafeteria and green alfalfa fodder. In test group, 15% concentrate was replaced with the fresh moringa pod. Sitting (time used %) was higher during 11.00 to 16.00 h and standing (time used %) during 0.00 to 2.00 h (control) and 0.00 to 1.00 h (test). Sleeping (time used %) was higher at 11.00 h and lower at 2.00 h, eating activity (time used %) was higher at 21.00 h (control) and 21.00 and 1.00 h (test). Dry matter intake (g/h) was improved at 16.00 h and continued up to 8.00 h, whereas peaks were recorded between 23.00 and 1.00 h. The frequency of faecal excretion was higher at 8.00 h in control and 8.00 and 19.00 h in test groups. It may be concluded that rabbits were most active during night hours. A feeding strategy may be suggested to schedule the feeding hours of rabbits especially during the time of high activeness i.e. during night hours.