Abstract

This work aimed to study the effect of two different levels of ration protein supplemented with Radish (Raphanus sativus L) seeds (RS). Rabbits were classified into four equal groups (G1-G4). The1^st and 3^rd groups received basal ration with 100 % and 90 % of protein requirement level and served as first and second control respectively. The 2^nd and the 4^th groups received basal ration with 100 and 90% of protein supplemented with RS at the level 1.5%, respectively.

The 90% of protein level significantly (P<0.05) increased the DM, OM, CP, CF and EE digestibility and TDN value as well as significantly (P<0.05) decreased the digestible CP in comparison with the100% requirements. The 90% of protein level significantly (P<0.05) increased the TDN intake. The 100% of protein level significantly (P<0.05) improved the feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of DM, TDN and DE (kcal/h/d). The 90% of protein level insignificantly (P>0.05) improved the final weight, total body weight gain, ADG (g), feed intake as DM, DCP, DCP (g/day) and DE (kcal/h/d) and feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of CP in comparison with the 100% of protein requirements.

Radish seeds (RS) at 1.5% level significantly (P<0.05) increased all nutrient digestibility coefficients and nutritive values compared to the control diet. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between the protein and RS levels on all nutrient digestibility coefficients (DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE) and nutritive values of TDN and DCP. The 90% of protein level + 1.5 % (RS) showed the best digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE and TDN value. The 100% of protein level + 1.5 % Radish seeds (G₂) showed the highest value of DCP. Supplementation Radish seeds at 1.5% level significantly (P<0.05) improved feed intake as DCP and TDN (g/day) while, it significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of TDN. Adding Radish seeds at 1.5% level insignificantly (P>0.05) increased the final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG); feed intake as DM, CP (g/day) and DE (kcal/h/d) and feed conversion (g intake /g gain) of DM, CP and DE (kcal/h/d) compared to the control diet. The 90% of protein requirement with supplementation Radish seeds at 1.5% level recorded the best values of final weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain, feed intake (g/h/day) of DM, DCP, TDN and DE and feed conversion feed conversion of DM, CP and TDN (g intake/ g gain) and DE (Kcal intake /g gain). There were interactions between protein and supplementation levels on DM, DP, TDN and DE intakes and feed conversion (g intake/ g gain) of DM, CP, TDN and DE. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between protein and supplementation levels on carcass characteristics such as digestive tract; edible offal's weight (head and testes, weight and % of SW) and dressing percentages expressed as CW1/ SW and DM of the 9, 10 and 11^th ribs. Rabbits fed on diet containing the 90% of protein requirements with 1.5% (RS) showed the highest values of net revenue, economical efficiency and relative economic efficiency, Supplementation of radish seeds in rabbit diets improved all nutrient digestibility, growth performance, dressing percentages and economical efficiency indicating that radish seeds can be used as growth promoter for improving the utilization of low protein in rabbit diets.

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