Carcass quality in restricted and ad libitum fed rabbits

• Published in: Czech Journal of Animal Science Vol. 51; no. 5; pp. 214 - 219
• Main Authors: Tumova, E.(Ceska Zemedelska Univ., Prague (Czech Republic). Katedra Specialni Zootechniky) E-mail:tumova@af.czu.cz, Zita, L.(Ceska Zemedelska Univ., Prague (Czech Republic). Katedra Specialni Zootechniky), Stolc, L.(Ceska Zemedelska Univ., Prague (Czech Republic). Katedra Specialni Zootechniky)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences 01.05.2006
• Subjects: ACIDEZ; ACIDITE; ACIDITY; ADIPOSE TISSUE; ALIMENTACION AD LIBITUM; ALIMENTACION DE LOS ANIMALES; ALIMENTACION RACIONADA; ALIMENTATION A SATIETE; ALIMENTATION DES ANIMAUX; ALIMENTATION RATIONNEE; ANIMAL FEEDING; CALIDAD; carcass characteristics; COLOR; COLOUR; CONEJO (ORYCTOLAGUS); COULEUR; DRESSING PERCENTAGE; DURACION; DURATION; DUREE; FOIE; HIGADO; KIDNEYS; LAPIN (ORYCTOLAGUS); LIVER; LOINS; LOMO; LONGE; MEAT YIELD; MUSCLE; MUSCLES; MUSCULOS; PEAU; PESO DE LA CANAL; PIEL (ANIMAL); POIDS A L'ABATTAGE; QUALITE; QUALITY; rabbit; RABBITS; REIN; RENDEMENT A L'ABATTAGE; RENDEMENT EN VIANDE; RENDIMIENTO CARNICO; RENDIMIENTO EN CANAL SIN DESOLLAR; RESTRICTED FEEDING; restriction; RINONES; SKIN; SLAUGHTER WEIGHT; TEJIDO ADIPOSO; TISSU ADIPEUX; UNRESTRICTED FEEDING
• ISSN: 1212-1819; 1805-9309
• DOI: 10.17221/3931-cjas

The effect of the length and intensity of feed restriction on carcass quality characteristics of rabbits was studied in two experiments. In the first experiment, rabbits were divided into 5 groups and fed ad libitum or restricted for 1 or 3 weeks with different levels of restriction. In the second experiment, the animals were divided into 3 groups and fed ad libitum or submitted to different levels of restriction between 42 and 56 days of age. Carcass characteristics were evaluated at the age of 49, 56, 63 and 84 days. Restriction did not affect dressing percentage but reduced loin weight. Renal fat was detected in restricted rabbits at the age of 63 days, whereas in the ad libitum fed ones at 56 days. It was significantly reduced in rabbits restricted from 56 days of age. Kidney and liver weights were influenced by the restriction and realimentation period, whereas meat colour and pH (measured 24 h post mortem) were not affected.