Feeding of alfalfa hay with molasses blocks or crumbles to growing rabbit fryers

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate alfalfa hay in combination with energy supplements (blocks, crumbles, or mash, based on sugar cane molasses) as feed for growing rabbits. In experiment one, 36 New Zealand White (NZW) straightbred rabbits (age from 37 to 39 d) were involved. Kits were randomly assigned to each of four diet treatments involving three pens as replicates containing three rabbits. Diets were control (commercial pelleted diet) or chopped alfalfa hay with or without an energy supplement (blocks or crumbles based on molasses). Control animals were 296 g heavier than experimental (alfalfa hay diets) rabbits at the end of the 28-d study (P<0.01). There was no difference in average daily gain (ADG) between groups fed molasses blocks and crumbles (P>0.05). The ADG was 4.3 g more rapid for energy-supplemented rabbits compared to those fed alfalfa alone (P<0.05).

In the second experiment, 24 Altex and 24 NZW straightbred rabbits (age from 39 to 40 d) were involved. Kits were assigned to each of the four diet treatments: control (pelleted complete diet) or alfalfa cubes with or without an energy supplement (molasses blocks or mash). Each diet had four pen replicates containing either three Altex or NZW rabbits. At the end of the 42-d experimental period, control rabbits were 1,067 g heavier than experimental rabbits (P<0.001). Energy-supplemented rabbits were 307 g heavier than rabbits fed alfalfa cubes alone (P<0.01). Altex rabbits had heavier final weights by 221 g than NZW rabbits (P<0.01). In both experiments, there were no significant differences due to diet in the uniformity of final weights within a pen. Even though ADG was more rapid for rabbits fed the control diet, from an economic standpoint, it may be more appropriate in developing countries to raise rabbits on forages (in tropical countries alfalfa is not an option but there are alternatives) with an energy supplement based on molasses, especially where commercial feeds are either not available or cost-prohibitive.

Key words: Rabbits, alfalfa, Medicago sativa, molasses blocks, growth, feed utilization

Introduction

Alfalfa is a suitable and widely recommended forage for rabbits in temperate and sub-tropical latitudes. However, alfalfa is low in energy and should be supplemented when fed to rabbits (Lebas 1983; Oyawoye et al 1990). Integration of forage-based diets with an energy supplement, such as molasses blocks, crumbles or mash, is a simple technology that can be used in developing countries where infrastructure and socio-economic conditions are favorable (Amici and Finzi 1995; Dinh Van Binh et al 1991). Agro-industrial by-products, such as oil cake or cereal bran, can also be added to improve the nutrient quality of molasses blocks or crumbles (Sansoucy 1986).

In Italy, Finzi and Amici (1996) reported satisfactory growth performance of fryer rabbits when fed fresh alfalfa forage and an energy supplementblocks or crumbles based on molasses). In Vietnam, satisfactory growth rates were obtained when rabbits were fed molasses blocks with mulberry leaves and Trichanthera gigantea (Le Thu Ha et al 1996). The cost of molasses blocks, mulberry leaves, and Trichanthera gigantea was reported to be half the cost of feeding a commercial concentrate and grass diet. In Mauritius, rabbits fed commercial feed pellets with molasses blocks also showed satisfactory body weight gains (Ramchurn et al 1999)

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the use of alfalfa as hay or cubes with an energy supplement (blocks, crumbles or mash based on sugar cane molasses) in diets of growing rabbits. The results of the experiments may have potential application to small-scale, rabbit production systems in less developed countries where commercial pelleted diets are either not available or cost prohibitive.

Experimental design and procedures

Experiment 1

Research methodologies were previously approved by the Institutional Animal Care Committee at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). The study was conducted at the TAMUK rabbit research and teaching facility from April 5 to May 3, 1999. Thirty-six straight-bred New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (age from 37 to 39 d) were involved. Kits were randomly assigned to each of four diet treatments: 1) control (commercial pellets [Cargill-Nutrena Feeds Division, Minneapolis, MN]); 2) alfalfa hay + molasses blocks; 3) alfalfa hay + molasses crumbles, and 4) alfalfa hay alone. Each diet had three pen replicates with each pen containing three rabbits. Pen dimensions were 76.2 (length) x 76.2 (width) x 45.7 cm (height). All kits were subjected to a 5 d adaptation period. Water was provided using an automatic watering system.

The method suggested by Finzi and Amici (1996) was closely followed in preparing molasses blocks and crumbles (Table 1). In making the molasses blocks, a feed mix was prepared adding ingredients into a plastic container in the following order: molasses, cement wetted with a small quantity of water, other ingredients (ground alfalfa hay, crimped oats, and wheat bran). The alfalfa hay and crimped oats were ground to 1 mm diameter using a Thomas-Wiley intermediate mill (3383-L 10 series). The molasses mix was transferred into 1 litre volume cylindrical containers (diameter of 10 cm) and pounded with a pestle to compact the blocks. To prepare each block, 500 g of molasses mix was used. Blocks were removed from the container and placed in a drying oven at 54^oC for 3 d.

For preparation of crumbles, the ingredients were introduced in the following order into a plastic container: molasses, cement wetted with small quantity of warm water, ground wheat flour wetted with a small quantity of warm water, and other ingredients (alfalfa hay, crimped oats and wheat bran). About 3 kg of feed mix was poured onto a metal sheet. The mash feed mix was compacted by applying pressure using another sheet. The compacted feed mix was then placed in a drying oven at 54^oC for 3 d.

Alfalfa hay and crumbles were fed in the morning and in the evening using commercial screen feeders (Bass Equipment Company, Inc., Monett, MO) which were lined with plastic sheets to prevent feed loss. Molasses blocks were placed directly on the cage floor. The feed refusal was collected (from collection screens mounted ~ 5 cm below cage floor) on a daily basis and stored in plastic bags, and weighed weekly.

Individual body weights (BW) were recorded weekly. Mortality was monitored daily. Individual traits also studied were initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), and average daily gain (ADG). Pen traits were total feed intake (TFI), gross feed conversion (GFC; TFI/total pen weight gain), and market weight uniformity (CV; coefficient of variation in FW of rabbits within a pen).

Weekly body weight and other individual trait data were analyzed using the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) package (Blouin and Saxton 1990) according to the following equation:

where Y_ijk= observed value of a given dependent variable; m = overall mean; D_i= fixed effect of i^th diet; p_ji = random effect of j^th pen of the i^th diet, assumed to be NID (0, s²_p); and Î_ijk = random error, assumed to be NID (0, s²_Î).

where Y_ij= observed value of a given dependent variable; m = overall mean; D_i= fixed effect of i^th diet; and Î_ij = random error, assumed to be NID (0, s²_Î).

From ANOVA, least-squares diet means for all traits studied were compared (P<0.05) using single degree of freedom orthogonal contrasts: 1) Control vs experimental diets (average of diets containing alfalfa hay); 2) alfalfa hay alone (negative control) vs alfalfa hay with a supplemental energy feed (molasses blocks or crumbles); and 3) molasses blocks vs crumbles. Survival data were tested (P<0.05) for independence with diet using Chi-square procedures.

Experiment 2

The study was conducted from June 4 to July 16, 1999 at the TAMUK rabbit research and teaching facility. Twenty-four Altex and 24 NZW straightbred rabbits (age ranging from 39 to 40 d) were involved. Altex is a commercial sire breed with a selection history which emphasized heavy 70-d body weights (Lukefahr et al 1996). In Experiment 1, the plastic sheet used to line the base of the feeders above the screen was sometimes damaged by the rabbits, resulting in feed wastage. To prevent wastage, alfalfa cubes were used in Experiment 2. The alfalfa cubes were placed in forage feeders (Bass Equipment Company, Inc., Monett, MO). Wastage of crumbles due to scrabbling was also observed in Experiment 1. In this experiment, crumbles were replaced by mash (having the same nutrient composition as crumbles). Mash was mixed with water in the proportion of 1:1 and fed in porcelain crocks. The mash was fed daily, and the refusal was collected and weighed daily. Kits were assigned to each of the four diet treatments: 1) control (commercial pellets [Nutrena, Cargill-Nutrena Feeds Division, Minneapolis, MN]); 2) alfalfa cubes + molasses blocks; 3) alfalfa cubes + mash, and 4) alfalfa cubes alone. Each diet had four pen replicates, and each pen contained either three Altex or NZW kits [RP4]. Individual body weight data were analyzed using the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) package of Blouin and Saxton (1990) according to the following equation:

Y_ijkl = m + D_i + B_j + (DB)_ij + p_kji + Î_ijkl

where Y_ijkl = observed value of a given dependent variable; m = overall mean; D_i = fixed effect of i^th diet; B_j = fixed effect of j^th breed; (DB)_ij = diet x breed interaction; p_kji = random effect of k^th pen of the j ^th breed and i^th diet, assumed to be NID (0, s²_p) ; and Î_ijkl = random error, assumed to be NID (0, s²_Î).

Pen trait data were analyzed using the following model:

Y_ijk = m + D_i + B_j + (DB)_ij + Î_ijk

where terms are as defined above. Diet means were compared as described for the previous experiment. For survival data, Chi-square tests (P<0.05) for independence (e. g., diet and breed) were performed. Gender is generally not an important source of variation for growth traits in rabbits and so was excluded from the above model.

Results

Chemical analyses of feeds

Pellets had significantly higher DM, CP, and NDF and lower ADF and ash percentages compared to the average of experimental diets used in Experiments 1 and 2 (Table 2). Molasses blocks had lower DM, CP, NDF, and ADF but higher ash content compared to crumbles or mash (P<0.01 or P<0.001). Alfalfa hay used in Experiment 1 had significantly higher CP and lower NDF and ADF percentages compared to alfalfa cubes used in Experiment 2.

Table 2. Generalized least-squares means for nutrient composition (percentage DM basis) and selected contrasts for Experiments 1 and 2
	n	DM	CP	NDF	ADF	Ash
Feed^a
Pellets	12	88.5	16.7	37.9	21.0	8.6
Alfalfa hay	12	89.6	17.8	43.3	33.8	8.8
Alfalfa cubes	9	89.4	15.2	46.0	34.9	8.7
Molasses blocks	12	84.8	10.8	22.3	13.0	24.8
Crumbles or mash	12	86.0	12.4	29.0	17.4	11.5
SE^b		0.3	0.1	0.3	0.2	0.2

Selected contrast^c
Pellets-Exp.1 diets		1.7 ±0.3^***	3.0 ± 0.1 ^***	6.4 ± 0.3^**	0.4 ± 0.2 ^*	-6.4 ± 0.3^***
Pellets-Exp.2 diets		1.8 ±0.3^***	3.8 ± 0.1^***	5.5 ± 0.3 ^**	-0.8 ± 0.2 ^**	-6.4 ± 0.3^***
Blocks-Crumbles or mash		-1.2 ± 0.4^**	-1.5 ±0.2^***	-6.7 ± 0.4^**	-4.3 ±0.3^***	13.3 ±0.3^***
Alfalfa hay-cubes		0.2 ± 0.5	2.6 ± 0.2^***	-2.7 ± 0.4^**	-1.1 ± 0.3 ^**	0.1 ± 0.3
^aChopped alfalfa hay was used in Experiment 1 and alfalfa hay cubes were used in Experiment 2.^bAverage standard error of the least-squares nutrient means in the column.^cExp. 1 diets = average of all experimental feeds (excluding pellets) used in Experiment 1; Exp. 2 diets = average of all experimental feeds (excluding pellets) used in Experiment 2. See Table 1 for description of diets.^P<0.05; ^P<0.01; ^**P<0.001

Experiment 1

Individual growth and pen trait performance

There were no differences in IW (Table 3 and Figure 1) due to diet (P>0.05). Control animals had more rapid ADG by 11.2 g/d (P<0.001) and heavier FW by 296 g (P<0.01) than experimental animals fed chopped alfalfa hay with or without molasses blocks or crumbles. There were no differences in FW between animals fed the supplemental energy diets (molasses blocks or crumbles) and animals fed alfalfa hay alone (P>0.05). However, animals fed energy supplements had 4.3 g/d higher ADG compared to animals fed alfalfa hay alone (P<0.05). There were no differences in ADG or FW between animals fed molasses blocks or crumbles (P>0.05). Only one mortality case (in alfalfa hay alone group) was observed throughout the 28-d experimental period. The control pens consumed 2,677 g more feed than animals in experimental pens throughout the 28-d study (P<0.01) as shown in Table 4. There were no differences in GFC or CV between diets (P>0.05).


Table 3. Generalized least-squares diet means for growth traits and selected contrasts among diets (Experiment 1)
Diet	IW	FW	ADG
Control (pellets)	1194	2320	40.3
Alfalfa (Alf)+ Molasses blocks (Mo)	1207	2016	28.9
Alf + Crumbles (Cr)	1230	2121	32.1
Alf	1200	1936	26.3
SE^c	52	64	1.4
Selected contrasts
Control – Expl. Diets	-19 ± 60	296 ± 73^**	11.2 ± 1.6^***
Alf – (Mo+Cr)/2	-18 ± 64	-133 ± 78	-4.3 ± 1.7^*
Mo – Cr	-23 ± 74	-106 ± 92	-3.2 ± 2.0
^aTrait abbreviations: IW = initial body weight, g; FW = final body weight at end of 28-d trial, g; ADG = average daily gain, g/d.^bDiet abbreviations: Expl. = average of diets containing alfalfa hay with molasses blocks (Mo) or crumbles (Cr), or alfalfa hay alone (Alf). ^cAverage standard error of the least-squares diet means in the column.^P<0.05; ^P<0.01; ^**P<0.001.

Figure 1. Growth curves of rabbits fed pellets (control), or chopped
alfalfa hay ad libitum with or without energy supplements (molasses blocks or
crumbles) during Experiment 1

Table 4. Generalized least-squares diet means for pen traits and selected contrasts for Experiment 1^a
Item	TFI, g	GFC	CV of final wt
Control (pellets)	13186	4.4	6.7
Alf + Mo	10349	4.2	12.7
Alf + Cr	11541	4.2	7.0
Alf	9664	4.4	4.2
SE^c	610	0.4	2.9
Selected contrasts
Control – Expl. diets	2,677 ± 705^**	0.1 ± 0.4	-1.3 ± 3.4
Alf – (Mo + Cr)/2	-1,281 ± 748	0.2 ± 0.4	-5.7 ± 3.6
Mo – Cr	-1,192 ± 863	0.0 ± 0.0	5.7 ± 4.1
^aTrait abbreviations: TFI = total 28-d pen feed intake (pellets, alfalfa hay, molasses blocks or crumbles), g; GFC = gross feed conversion (TFI/pen weight gain, g); CV = coefficient of variation in FW of rabbits within a pen, %. Each pen initially contained three fryers.^bDiet abbreviations: Expl. = average of diets containing alfalfa hay with molasses blocks (Mo) or crumbles (Cr), or alfalfa hay alone (Alf). ^cAverage standard error of the least-squares diet means in the column.

Experiment 2

Individual growth and pen trait performance.

There was no difference in IW between diets (P>0.05) (Table 5 and Figure 2).

Table 5. Generalized least-squares means for diets and breed for growth traits and selected contrasts for Experiment 2^a
Item	IW	FW	ADG
Diet
Control (pellets)	1040	2411	32.7
Alf + Mo	980	1466	11.3
Alf + Mash	986	1425	10.9
Alf	966	1138	4.8
SE^c	38	62	1.6
Breed
Altex	1033	1720	16.6
NZW	854	1499	13.3
SE^c	27	44	1.1
Selected contrast
Control – Expl. Diets	64 ± 45	1,067 ± 66^***	23.7 ± 1.7 ^***
Alf – (Mo + Mash)/2	-17 ± 47	-307 ± 88 ^**	-6.3 ± 2.2 ^*
Mo – Mash	-7 ± 55	41 ± 81	0.5 ± 2.1
Altex – NZW	79 ± 39^‡	221 ± 63 ^**	3.4 ± 1.6 ^‡
aTrait abbreviations: IW = initial body weight, g; FW = final body weight at end of 42-d trial, g; ADG = average daily gain, g/d. bDiet abbreviations: Expl. = average of diets containing alfalfa hay with molasses blocks (Mo) or mash, or alfalfa hay (Alf) alone. cAverage standard error of the least-squares diet and breed means in the column. ‡P<0.10; P<0.05; P<0.01; **P<0.001.

Control rabbits had heavier final weights by 1,067 g (P<0.001) and more rapid ADG by 23.7 g/d (P<0.001) compared to the rabbits fed the experimental diets. Rabbits fed alfalfa cubes in combination with an energy supplement (molasses blocks or mash) had heavier FW by 307 g (P<0.01) and more rapid ADG by 6.3 g/d (P<0.05) compared to rabbits fed alfalfa cubes alone. There were no differences in FW or ADG between rabbits fed molasses blocks and rabbits fed mash (P>0.05).

Figure 2. Weekly growth response of rabbits fed pellets (control), or alfalfa
cubes ad libitum with or without energy supplements (molasses blocks or mash)
during Experiment 2

Altex had heavier IW by 79 g (P = .07), heavier FW by 221 g (P<0.01), and better ADG by 3.4 g/d (P = .07) compared to NZW (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Weekly growth response of Altex and NZW breeds of fryers
during Experiment 2

Eleven cases of mortality were observed during the 42-d trial (one in control, one in alfalfa cubes with molasses blocks, three in alfalfa cubes with mash, and six in alfalfa cubes alone group). Three of the dead rabbits were Altex and eight were NZW. Chi-square tests for independence revealed no relationship between breed and mortality rate (P² = 2.95; P>0.05). However, a relationship between diet and mortality rate was detected (P² = 7.90; P<0.05). Proportionately more rabbits died than expected in the alfalfa cubes alone group (negative control ).

Control animals consumed 5,247 g more feed per pen (P<0.001) and had better feed conversion (P<0.001) compared to animals fed the experimental diets (Table 6). Animals fed a supplemental energy feed (molasses blocks or mash) had better conversion compared to animals fed alfalfa cubes alone (P<0.001). However, there was no difference in feed intake between animals fed an energy supplement and animals fed cubes alone (P>0.05). The feed conversion for rabbits fed alfalfa cubes alone was very poor (28.5). There were no differences in coefficient of variation of final weight, due to diet or breed (P>0.05). There were no differences in feed intake between Altex and NZW. However, Altex had a better feed conversion than NZW (P<0.05). The diet*breed interaction source was never significant for any of the individual or pen traits analyzed.

Table 6. Generalized least-squares diet and breed means for pen traitsfor Experiment 2^a
Item	TFI	GFC	CV of final wt
Diet
Control (pellets)	15341	3.7	8.8
Alf + Mo	11266	8.0	11.7
Alf + Mash	9597	8.0	8.8
Alf	9419	28.5	9.7
SE^c	707	1.1	4.0
Breed
Altex	11843	10.5	11.4
NZW	10968	13.6	8.1
SE^c	507	0.7	2.8
Selected contrast
Control – Expl. Diets	5,247 ± 762 ^***	-11.1 ± 1.2 ^***	-1.3 ± 4.4
Alf – (Mo + Mash)/2	-1,012 ± 1,002	-20.4 ± 1.5 ^***	-0.5 ± 5.8
Mo – Mash	1,668 ± 897	0.0 ± 0.0	2.8 ± 5.2
Altex - NZW	874 ± 677	-3.1 ± 1.0 ^*	3.3 ± 3.9
^aTrait abbreviations: TFI = total 42-d pen feed intake (pellets, alfalfa hay, molasses blocks or mash), g; GFC = gross feed conversion (TFI /pen weight gain, g); CV = coefficient of variation in FW of rabbits within a pen, %. Each pen initially contained three rabbits.^bDiet abbreviations: Expl. = average of diets containing alfalfa hay with molasses blocks (Mo) or mash, or alfalfa hay (Alf) alone. ^cAverage standard error of the least-squares diet and breed means in the column.^P<0.05; ^** P<0.001

Discussion

The higher ash content of molasses blocks and crumbles could be explained by the addition of cement. Drying molasses blocks and crumbles at 54 ^ºC for 3 d may possibly have initiated Maillard’s reaction. This could have negatively affected the quality and quantity of protein in the molasses blocks and crumbles. Furthermore, alfalfa in combination with an energy supplement may not have provided adequate quantities of minerals to meet the requirements of rabbits. This could be one possible reason for the slower growth rates in forage-fed rabbits compared to control animals; however, such growth rates may be acceptable in developing countries where forages are usually cheaper than commercial pellets In both the experiments, animals fed supplemental energy feeds (molasses blocks, crumbles or mash) had more rapid weight gains than those fed only on alfalfa hay. These observations are in agreement with Amici and Finzi (1995) and Finzi and Amici (1997). Ramchurn et al (1999) postulated that the sugar content of molasses in the blocks would be primarily digested in the stomach and the non-sugar contents would stimulate fibre digestion by microbes in the hindgut. This action could result in better utilization of fibre in the diet and more rapid weight gains of rabbits.

The ADG of rabbits was less in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1. These results could partially be explained by the lower CP and higher NDF and ADF percentages in the alfalfa cubes used in Experiment 2 compared to the chopped alfalfa hay used in Experiment 1. This could possibly have negatively affected growth rates in Experiment 2. Higher ambient temperatures during Experiment 2 could also have possibly negatively affected feed appetite. McNitt and Lukefahr (1993) reported that temperature and day-length had a significant effect on rabbit growth performance. These authors reported that growth rates are lowest in summer and highest in early spring and late autumn. Furthermore, increased fibre digestion could have produced more heat of fermentation in rabbits involved in Experiment 2 due to the higher fibre level in the alfalfa cubes.

The higher mortality during Experiment 2 could be explained by lower the lower crude protein content and higher fibre contents of the alfalfa hay cubes fed to the rabbits in Experiment 2. De Blas et al (1981) reported high mortality rate in rabbits fed diets high in crude fibre and low in protein. Laplace (1978) associated high mortality rates with slow growth rates. Of relevance, in less developed countries with arid or tropical climates, ADG performance of 20 g/d is considered satisfactory (Lukefahr and Cheeke 1991).

Altex had heavier IW and FW, more rapid growth rate and better feed conversion compared to NZW. These findings are in agreement with the reports of Ruiz-Feria et al (1996) and Ruiz-Feria and Lukefahr (1998). These authors reported better growth performance in Altex compared to NZW when fed different forages (such as cactus, mesquite, and lablab) and restricted quantities of commercial feed pellets. The better growth performance of Altex was attributed to the larger volume of the gastro-intestinal tract, and also to the selection history of this breed for rapid growth performance.

Conclusions

Supplementing alfalfa hay with molasses blocks, crumbles or mash improves the growth performance of rabbit fryers compared to alfalfa hay alone. However, it is acknowledged that alfalfa cannot be grown in most developing countries and that the cost of feeding imported alfalfa would be prohibitive. In addition, the form in which alfalfa hay is offered to rabbits can also affect growth performance. Better growth rates were achieved by feeding chopped alfalfa hay of higher nutritional quality rather than alfalfa hay cubes. The market price of a live rabbit fryer was USD $2.5/kg. Costs of the commercial pelleted diet, molasses blocks, and crumbles were calculated to be USD $0.37, 0.37, and 0.45 per kg, respectively. Alfalfa was assumed to be grown by the farmer and available free of cost. The feed cost per 1 kg of live weight gain was calculated at USD $1.60, 0.70, and 1.06 for rabbits fed commercial feed pellets, alfalfa hay with molasses blocks, and alfalfa hay with crumbles, respectively. In countries where alfalfa is grown, it could be economical to raise rabbits on alfalfa (growing the alfalfa on-farm) supplemented with energy feeds as an alternative to feeding commercial pelleted diets. For tropical countries, where alfalfa cannot be grown economically, other sources of forage can be used. Such forage-based feeding systems (forage plus an energy supplement) are well suited to the less developed countries where commercial pelleted diets are generally not available.

References

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Received 16 June

Table 1. Ingredients in molasses blocks and crumbles
Ingredient	Blocks	Crumbles
Alfalfa hay (ground) Crimped oats Wheat bran Molasses Cement	7.2 7.1 17.6 50.1 8.0	7.2 10.8 49.2 11.8 1.0

Feeding of alfalfa hay with molasses blocks or crumbles to growing rabbit fryers

S S Linga and S D Lukefahr

Department of Animal Science & Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University
Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
s-lukefahr@tamuk.edu

Abstract

Key words: Rabbits, alfalfa, Medicago sativa, molasses blocks, growth, feed utilization

Introduction

Experimental design and procedures

Experiment 1

Experiment 2