Inclusion of Mulberry (Morus alba) in the Rabbit Fattening Diet (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of mulberry foliage (Morus alba) in the diet on productive variables and carcass yield in fattening rabbits. An animal behavior test was performed by using a completely random design with 36 weaning rabbits. Four treatments were established to include mulberry in the daily diet in concentrated proportions: mulberry foliage, provided for 42 days to rabbits in the fattening phase: T1: 100:0, T2: 80:20, T3: 60:40, and T4: concentrate: mulberry ad libitum. Food consumption, weight gain, feed conversion and carcass yield were measured. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found in mulberry consumption, final live weight and food conversion. Daily weight gain, carcass yield, digestive tract weight and cecum showed no differences between treatments (p > 0.05). In the ad libitum treatment rabbits consumed about 20% of mulberry, and their level of inclusion in the diet can be 20 and 40% without effect on the behavior of productive variables.