Supplementation with native grass improves performance and serum biochemical indexes in Rex rabbits

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of native grass diets on performance, fur density, and serum biochemical indexes in finished Rex rabbits. Thirty 110-day-old healthy Rex rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 10 rabbits in each group (half male and half female). Group Ⅰ was control, where the rabbits were fed a basal diet; Group Ⅰ rabbits were fed 85% basal diet+15% local native grass; and group Ⅱ rabbits were fed 70% basal diet+30% local native grass. The adaptation period was 7 days, and the treatment period was 30 days. The results showed that the body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and body condition score increased and that the ratio of feed to gain decreased in rabbits fed with experimental diets. Compared with the control, in group Ⅱ rabbits, animal body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and body condition score increased by 9.78%, 57.9%, 3.79%, and 7.38% (P0.05), respectively, and the ratio of feed to gain decreased by 9.4% (P0.05). Fur density increased when the rabbits were fed with experimental diets. Compared with the control group, in group Ⅱ rabbits, fur densities on the back, waist, and left and right shoulders increased 20.7%, 38.6%, 33.7% and 47.3% respectively (P0.05). The fur density on the buttocks increased by 12.9% (P0.05). The serum total protein and albumin contents increased 15% and 13%, respectively (P0.05), and the serum globulin also increased (P0.05). In summary, the performance of Rex rabbits can be improved by feeding native grass diet during the finishing period.