Growth intensity of young rabbits on the background of use of complete mixed fodders

Abstract

The development of each individual is influenced by many factors: from genetic to environmental conditions. Therefore, the goal of our research was to establish the characteristics of the growth rate of rabbits from birth to sale when using complete feed in a controlled microclimate. Research was carried out on complex crossbreeds in the rabbit breeding laboratory of the Belgorod State Agrarian University. At birth, the average live weight is 53±2 g. In the first three days, the rabbits were fed colostrum and their average daily gain was 8±1 g, when switching to milk in the next 4 days it increased to 13±1 g, and in the next week - 19±2 g. In the third week of life, the rabbits were introduced to the feed; during this period, the average daily gain did not increase significantly and amounted to 21±3 g. From the next week, the feed began to prevail in the diet of the young animals, and their average daily gain increased to 39±4 g, and the live weight reached 796±43 g. Starting from the 30th day, the rabbits were exposed to stress factors such as branding and weaning. At the same time, the average daily increase in live weight continued to increase, reaching a maximum in the interval between 50 and 60 days with values of 40-42 g, regardless of the method of preventing eimeriosis. It is worth noting that live weight when using a coccidiostat based on essential oils (Ent-Oil Eimecon Dry) is higher than when using a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against eimeria (Cycocin) and amounted to 3078±38 and 3305±62 g, respectively (p < 0.01).