Abstract:
This study aims to evaluate the effects of feed incorporation of Tunisian local carob pods, on
meat quality. A growth performance assay was carried out in summer (July-August), on a total of
one hundred twenty weaned four weeks of age New Zealand rabbits and weighing 607 ± 13 g.
Animals were housed in 60 cages (2 rabbits/cage). Two iso-proteic and iso-energetic diets
(Control: without carob and Carob: 20% carob) were formulated and each diet was allotted
to a group of sixty rabbits (thirty cages x two rabbits). Growth performance was registered and
fifteen male rabbits per diet of 11 weeks of age; were slaughtered and processed, to analyze the
effects of diets on carcass traits. Growth performance data did not reveal any difference between
group (p>0.05) and viability was significantly improved with carob (p<0.01), besides the high
registered temperatures. Carcass traits showed similar carcass yields and higher proportions of
the liver and the empty stomach and colon. In addition carob improved protein content and
reduced fat in BF meat. In conclusion, carob pods can be incorporated in growing rabbit’s diets
at 20% without any negative incidence on carcass traits. It may also improve the viability of
rabbits reared in hot climate. |
