BABY CORN HUSK COMPARED WITH PARA OR SETARIA GRASS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AD LIBITUM OR LIMITED CONCENTRATE IN RABBIT

Abstract

The first experiment was conducted to compare baby corn husk (BCH) with para grass when supplemented with ad lib or 75% of ad lib concentrate. Twelve weaning cross-bred rabbits (native x Zika-Z) were allocated to 3 groups fed with ad lib concentrate (18% protein) and para grass or ad lib concentrate and BCH or 75% ad lib concentrate and BCH. The second experiment was similar to the first one, but para grass was replaced with setaria grass and 6 animal/gr. were used. In the third experiment, 6 male rabbits were used to determine digestibility of BCH and para grass. In the first and second experiment, no difference among groups were found in total dry matter intake. Total protein intake in ad lib groups with para grass or setaria were greater (P<0.05 and <0.01 in the first and second experiment, respectively) than in 75% group. No difference in ADG was found among froups in the first experiment, but in the second experiment the group fed ad lib concentrate and setaria gained better weight (P<.01) than in 75% group. The digestibility of nutrients such as DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE in BCH was higher (P<.01) than in para grass with the exception of CP which was 69.20% in BCH and 73.30% in para grass (P<.05) The results indicated that high moisture and low protein content of BCH decreased the nutrient intake although it has high palatability. Feeding ad lib concentrate with supplement of BCH has no disadvantage. The amount of concentrate for rabbits at liveweight over than 1 kg, can be restricted to 75% of ad lib when BCH is fed as roughage.