Effect of feeding with ojushte leaves (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) and chaya leaves (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) on the weight gain of New Zealand fattening rabbits

Abstract

In order to improve the weight gain, carcass yield and the protein content of the meat of New Zealand fattening rabbits, an investigation was carried out in which the daily ration of commercial concentrate was supplemented with 4 ounces of ojushte foliage (Brosimum alicastrum) and chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa). This was developed with 18 30-day-old New Zealand breed rabbits housed in cages, through a completely randomized design with three treatments: T0: 4 ounces of concentrate, T1: 4 ounces of concentrate + 4 ounces of chaya leaves, T2: 4 ounces of concentrate + 4 ounces of ojushte leaves. Analysis of variance and test of contrasts were applied to the variables of carcass performance and weight gain, the treatments provided similar effects in these variables. The verification of the quality generated was carried out with a bromatological analysis to quantify the protein content of the meat of the rabbits of the treatments under study. The best final weight was obtained with the T1 with 3.98 pounds at seven weeks fattening. The best carcass performance was obtained with the T0: 2.07 pounds. The highest protein content (18.87%) was obtained in the meat of rabbits supplemented with chaya. In general, the supplementation of the diet of fattening rabbits based on four ounces of commercial concentrate (50%) with four ounces of foliage (50%) of ojushte or chaya is recommended, since they allow to obtain lean, nutritious carcasses and at a lower cost