Productivity of growing rabbits for use of forrage with different zinc content

The results of studies on the optimal level of zinc, which are additionally introduced into feed for rabbits grown for meat, are presented. Experimental researches were conducted in the conditions of the problematic research laboratory of feed additives of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. A scientific and economic experiment was carried out on young rabbits of HYLA hybrids of the French company EUROLAP. The study was conducted by group method. In the 42-day age, 60 rabbits were selected, out of which, according to the analogues principle, three groups were formed – one control and two experimental, with 20 rabbits (10 females and 10 males) in each. The research lasted for 42 days. It was used full-grain granulated feed for feeding the experimental young rabbits, which according to the chemical composition differed in content of zinc in them. Rabbits of the control group received feed containing zinc 50 mg/kg, the second – 100 mg/kg, the third – 150 mg/kg. It was established that feeding of rabbits in the 43–84-day-old age with feed containing zinc 100 mg/kg contributes to an increase in body weight by 2.9%, and an increase in average daily growth during the growing season, respectively, by 4.7%. Feed costs per 1 kg growth in young rabbits consuming feed containing Zinc were 1.0% lower than the control group's young. Rabbits which were fed with feed containing zinc 150 mg/kg were inferior to body weight and average daily increments, respectively, by 1.4% and 2.7% of animals fed with a feed with a zinc level of 50 mg/kg.