Carcass quality in restricted and ad libitum fed rabbits

The effect of the length and intensity of feed restriction on carcass quality characteristics was studied in two experiments. In the first experiment rabbits were restricted 1 or 3 weeks. Group 1 was fed ad libitum, group 2 was restricted from 35 to 42 days of age (50 g per day/rabbit), group 3 was restricted from 42 to 49 days of age (65 g per day/rabbit), group 4 was restricted from 56 to 63 days of age (90 g per day/rabbit) and group 5 was restricted three weeks, from 35 to 42 days of age (50 g per day/rabbit), 42 to 49 days of age (65 g per day/rabbit) and from 56 to 63 days of age (90 g per day/rabbit). Rabbits were slaughtered at the age of 84 days. In the second experiment the rabbits were restricted between 42 and 56 days of age and the rabbits were divided into three groups. Group 1 was fed ad libitum, the rabbits in group 2 got 50 g of feed at the age of 42 to 49 days and 65 g of feed at the age of 49 to 56 days and in group 3, 50 g and 75 g of feed in the two periods, respectively. Carcass characteristics were evaluated at the age of 49, 56, 63 and 84 days. Restriction did not affect dressing percentage but reduced the weight of loin. Renal fat was detected in restricted rabbits at the age of 63 days whereas in the ad libitum fed ones at 56 days. Renal fat was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced in rabbits restricted from 56 days of age (experiment 1, 19.71 g, 19.28 g, 26 g vs. 14.33 g and 11.43 g). Kidney and liver weight was influenced by the restriction and realimentation period. The meat colour and pH (measured 24 h post mortem) were not affected by treatments.