Productive Response of Rabbits to Supplemental Copper in a Diet Based on Tropical Feedstuffs

Abstract

Onifade, A.A. and Abu, O.A. 1998. Productive response of rabbits to supplemental copper in a diet based on tropical feedstuffs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 13: 129-135.

Effects of supplemental copper in a diet based on tropical feedstuffs on productive performance, carcass measurements and haematology of rabbits were investigated in a 70d trial. Copper as CuS04.0H2O was supplemented at 0, 125, 250 and 375 mg kg1 into a basal diet. The basal diet served as control treatment. Eight rabbits, each constituting a replicate, were fed on one of the experimental diets. The results showed that daily weight gain and feed intake of the rabbits fed 250 and 375 mg kg1 supplemental copper were the highest followed by rabbits fed 125 mg kg4 and the basal diet. Relative weights of the selected organs were similar except for the brain that tended to be lower in rabbits fed 250 and 375 mg kgA copper. Haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood counts were lower on 375 mg kgA, however, haematological indices in rabbits fed 125 and 250 mg kg1 were superior to other treatments. The results indicated that supplemental copper in a diet based on tropical feedstuffs improved performance, supported adequate organ development and might adversely affect haematopoiesis in rabbits at 375 mgkgA rate of inclusion.