The effects of pelleting rations with and without an antibiotic on the growth rate of rabbits
King, J.O.
Veterinary Record 94(25): 586-588
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4610982 Document Number: 73590
A basal diet of 1 part white-fish meal, 2 parts grass meal, 4 parts bran, 1.25 parts Sussex ground oats and 1.75 parts weatings was pelleted (containing 1.5% molasses as a binder) or given as a mash, each with or without the antibiotic virginiamycin 20 g/ton, for 4 groups of 58 rabbits for 6 weeks. Then 25 rabbits from each group were killed and some of their abdominal organs were weighed and measured.Liveweight gains were greater on the pelleted rations, but significantly only when those without antibiotics were compared. Pelleting had no effect on the organs studied. Addition of antibiotic increased growth rates, significantly on the mash but only slightly on the pelleted rations. The weights of small intestine and caecum as a percentage of bodyweight were less on the diets containing antibiotic, both pellets and mash. Feed conversion ratios were reduced both by pelleting and by the addition of antibiotic, but not significantly.