Animal Science Abstract
The effect of the quality of dietary lignocellulose on digestion, zootechnical performance and health of the growing rabbit
T. Gidenne1,A, P. Arveux2 and O. Madec1
AE-mail gidenne@touolouse.inra.fr
1Station de Recherches Cunicoles, INRA, Centre de Recherche de Toulouse, BP 27, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France2UNCA-DNS (UCAAB), BP 19, Chierry 024020 Château Thierry, France
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and digestive response of the growing rabbit according to a change in the nature of the lignocellulose (ADF), without a change in the ADF level. Three diets with a linearly decreasing lignin/cellulose ratio (ADL/cellulose = 0 • 8; 0 • 4; 0 • 2; respectively LC8, LC4, LC2) were given to a total of 162 rabbits per diet, from weaning till slaughter weight. A reduction of the ADL/cellulose ratio led to a lower food intake (LC8 v. LC2: -11%), associated with a lower daily weight gain (-6% for LC2). Mortality and morbidity rate was significantly greater (+50%) for LC2 and LC4 diets compared with the LC8. Thus, the health risk index (morbidity + mortality) increased by 20 units for LC4 and LC2 compared with LC8 diet. In parallel, rate of passage was slower (mean retention time 4 • 5 h greater, P = 0 • 045) with LC4 and LC2 diets. Dry-matter digestibility was slightly affected, whereas protein digestion was favoured with low ADL/cellulose ratio. It is recommended that a minimum lignin supply (about 6 g/day) is adopted as well as a minimum dietary lignocellulose to ensure growth performance and health of the growing rabbit.
Keywords: diarrhoea, digestion, fibre, rabbits
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