Carcass Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota of Weaner Rabbits as Influenced by Sex and Feed Types

A total of seventy-two (thirty-six males and thirty-six females) weaner rabbits with weight ranging from 790-830 grammes were used to investigate the effect of different feed types on carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology and microbiota of weaner rabbits. The rabbits were allotted into 8 treatments after weight equalization on the basis of sex and different dietary groups (100% mash, 100% pellet, 50% mash + 50% Sunflower leaf and 50% pellet + 50% Sunflower leaf) in a 2x4 factorial arrangement, with each treatment consisting of 9 rabbits; each treatment was further subdivided into 3 replicates and 3 rabbits per each replicate. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Data collected were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance. Results showed that live and carcass weights were highest in female rabbits fed 100 % pellets (1846.50±89.20 g) and lowest in rabbits fed 100 % mash; dressing percentage, forelimbs and hindlimbs were highest in rabbits fed 100 % mash. Gut morphology showed that duodenum weight (1.62±0.16 %) and length (114.47±17.64 cm), caecum weight, caecum apical width and basal width were highest (p<0.05) in rabbits fed 50% pellet + 50% forage. Ileal villi height was highest (p<0.05) in females offered 100 % mash while males fed 100 % mash had normal intestinal villi. Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter were highest in rabbits fed mixed diet while Escherichia coli was highest in females fed 100 % pellet. The study concluded that feeding 100 % pellet yielded higher live weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage while those fed 100 % mash had improved intestinal morphology.