Effect of using varying levels of quinoa hay in growing rabbit rations

ABSTRACT: The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of using varying levels of quinoa hay as a replacer of 25, 50 and 75 % of dietary alfalfa hay as a source of fiber in growing New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) rations on their productive performance. Sixty-four growing NZW rabbits of 5 weeks’ age with average initial live body weight of 623.69±7.73 g were randomly divided into four similar groups, sixteen growing rabbits in each group. Insignificant (P>0.05) differences in feed consumption between different experimental groups were observed during all experimental periods (5-9 weeks of age, 9-15 weeks of age and the entire of the experimental period 5-15 weeks of age). Replacement of alfalfa hay with 25%, 50% and 75% quinoa hay reduced the values of all nutrient digestibility coefficients. The group of rabbits that received 25%, 50% and 75% quinoa hay showed significantly lower values of TDN and DCP compared to control group (0%). The group fed diet contain 25% quinoa hay gave insignificant improvement (P>0.05) of feed conversion ratio compared with those fed control group, 50% and 75% quinoa hay at 9-15 weeks and entire experimental period (5-15 weeks).An insignificant increase (P>0.05) was observed in the values of total protein, albumin and globulin in rabbits group received 25% quinoa hay compared to the control group. Insignificantly (P>0.05) higher values of blood urea were observed for the groups received quinoa hay compared to control group. Also, there was no significant difference between control group and groups that received quinoa hay for GOT and GPT values. The level of triglycerides insignificantly decreased (P> 0.05) after adding quinoa hay to the ration. Insignificantly (P>0.05) decrease in plasma cholesterol concentration was observed by consuming quinoa hay compared to control group. Using the level of 25% from quinoa hay did not affect creatinine level compared to control group. While, a significant increase (P<0.05) was observed in the values of creatinine in the rabbit's groups received 50% and 75% compared to that received 25% quinoa hay and control group. Conclusively, based on the results obtained in this study, it can be successfully used quinoa hay with 25% as a source of fiber to replace alfalfa hay in the rabbit ration without any negative effect on rabbit performance.