Biochemical and hematological parameters and productivity of rabbits fed low and normo-protein diets

The objective of this work was to study growth, yield, conformation, carcass cutting and representative biochemical and hematological parameters of protein metabolism in an experimental model in rabbits fed on low-protein and normal protein diets. Rabbits (n = 24), with varying degrees of cross between California and New Zealand breeds, weaned at 30-34 days (range), with 730-770 g body weight (range) were randomly separated into two groups (NP and HP). HPs were fed on a diet of grain and some of their by-products so that their percentage of crude protein (CP) was 12.2%. NPs were fed commercial feed (17% CP). The animals were weighed weekly, weekly food consumption was estimated, and blood samples were collected every 14 days until the end of the trials (8 weeks). Productive parameters (growth, yield, conformation, cutting of the carcass) were significantly different between NP vs HP animals (p < 0.05). Urea content in plasma was the biochemical parameter that made it possible to relate hypoproteic and normal diet and production. The results confirm that the level of protein in rabbit diet causes changes in their productivity.