The present work aimed to study the effect of light flashes on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, gonads, chemical composition and economical efficiency of New Zealand white rabbits. Seventy two rabbits aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into three experimental groups (24 rabbit each): The rabbits in control group (C) were exposed to constant light (12 h Light: 12 h Dark). In the other treated two groups, the 12 h of daylight period was divided into 6 h (constant light) and 6 h (flashes of light) for either 15 min. / h (T1) or 30 min. / h (T2). Exposure of young rabbits to flashes of light affected many of the studied traits and the effects were significant on body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, gonads, body temperature, dressed carcass and chemical composition percentages. While, there are insignificant differences in meat protein and carcass cut-up parts percentages. It concluded that the most suitable lighting program for rearing rabbits is the flashes of light (15 min/hour), because it was more economically efficient than continuous or flashes of light (30 min/hour).
Research Abstract
Research Department
Research Journal
Egyptian J. Anim. Prod.
Research Member
Research Publisher
Egyptian Society of Animal Production
Research Rank
2
Research Vol
48 (1)
Research Website
esap1961.org
Research Year
2011
Research Pages
55-67.