Productive and economical performance evaluation of V-line male growing rabbits as affcted by feed restriction

This study was done to determine the effect of feeding system for growing rabbits  to improve the productive and physiological response.. Fourty-five V-line male growing rabbits, average age 5 weeks and weighing average of 742.4±5.4 were used in this study.  The experiment was lasted for 6 consecutive weeks. The first group was received free feeding of recommended diet daily and served as a control (C), the 2^ndgroup (G1), was received 75% of recommended diet daily; the 3^rd group (G2), was received free feeding of recommended diet daily for 2 days and fasting for 1 day (skip-a-day system) (G2). Results showed that live body weight and body weight gain of G1 (75%) was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than Cgroup free feeding while, G2 (skip-a-day system) showing the lowest weight. Body weight gain was higher in G1 in compared with C group and G1 but differences were not significant. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) for all restricted groups G1 and G2 were significantly improved (P≤0.05) compared with control group (C). The data revealed that G2 (skip-a-aday system) had the lower feed cost, highest net revenue, highest economic efficiency (EE%) and relative economic efficiency (REE%), however, G1 had the highest net profit. Feed restriction in Growing male rabbits showed the most beneficial effects on live body weight, body weight gain, economic evaluation and carcass traits.