To assess the performance and economics of broiler rabbit production under semi-arid environment, a growth study was conducted on six groups of weaner kits (Av. b. wt. 0.33 kg.) fed on diets formulated to contain 18% CP and 2800 kcal DE/kg feed incorporating various energy supplements viz. maize, barley, damaged wheat, broken rice, jowar and bajra. The finishing-weight, total gain and average daily gain were higher on diets containing barley, jowar or bajra than other energy supplements. The rabbits attained ADG of 2S.6, 25.7 and 25.8 g/day on barley, jowar and bajra supplemented diets with feed conversion ratio ranging from 1: 3.2 to 3.3. The feed consumption was lower and the mortality due to gastroenteritis was higher on damaged wheat and broken rice incorporated diets. Net return per broiler rabbit was higher (about Rs. 5.0) in 8 weeks feeding trial on barley, jowar and bajra supplemented diets whereas, it was lower amounting to Rs. 11.1, 11.7 and 7.6 on maize, damaged wheat and broken rice supplemented diets. It is concluded that viable growth rate of 25–28 g/day can be obtained on complete diets utilizing locally available energy supplements for economic broiler rabbit production.
Broiler rabbits, Growth, Energy supplements, Economics
