Effects of Feeding Exhausted Olive Cake on Rabbit Performances, Visceral Development and Carcass Characteristics
Effects of Feeding Exhausted Olive Cake on Rabbit Performances, Visceral Development and Carcass Characteristics
Pedro Nunes1*, José Teixeira1,2, José Luís Mourão1,2,3, Divanildo Monteiro1,2,3, Victor Pinheiro1,2,3
ABSTRACT
Utilizing by-products from the olive oil sector in animal feed can become economically feasible for producers by offering alternative sources of dietary fiber, thereby expanding the potential applications of these by-products. This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating Exhausted Olive Cake (EOC) into commercial rabbit diets on zootechnical performance, carcass characteristics, and visceral development. To achieve this, a total of 60 hybrid rabbits (New Zealand x Californian) were employed. Three distinct diets were formulated, progressively substituting alfalfa with EOC at levels of 0%, 5%, and 10%. Zootechnical performance was monitored by recording weekly feed consumption and growth performance. Visceral development and carcass traits were evaluated in 10 rabbits from each treatment group at 64 days of age. No significant differences were observed among the treatment groups, except for caecum length, which was greater in the control diet compared to the EOC diets, and cecal content dry matter, which was lower in the control diet relative to the EOC10 diet. Consequently, this study validates the potential utility of exhausted olive cake as a valuable component in rabbit fattening diets, serving as a substitute for dietary fiber in traditional formulations and contributing to reduced feed expenses.
Keywords | Exhausted olive cake, Rabbit, Carcass characteristics, Growth performance, Visceral development
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February 2024
Vol. 12, Iss. 2, pp. 194-391
