Performance of growing rabbits fed on diets containing corn or barley grains with or without addition of kemzyme

ABSTRACT

Twenty-eight California growing rabbits were divided into four equal groups and assigned, respectively, to four balanced experimental diets. Diets 1 and 2 contained corn grains as a single cereal without and with addition of Kemzyme preparation [0.05%], respectively. In diets 3 and 4, barley grains replaced corn without and with addition of Kemzyme [0.05%], respectively. All diets were fed ad libitum for 18 weeks. The results indicated that incorporation of barley instead of corn grains in growing rabbit diets is of advantage through improving growth rate, food/gain ratio and reduction of fat deposition in the rabbit carcass. Addition of Kemzyme [0.05%] to the used diets had an additional beneficial effect on the tested parameters. From the economic, nutritional and physiological st and points, it can be safely concluded that barley grain is suitable for rabbits than corn