EUROPEAN REFERENCE METHOD FOR IN VIVO DETERMINATION OF DIET DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBITS

Abstract

This paper describes a standardized method for in vivo determination of total digestibility in rabbits. This method was working out within the European Group on Rabbit Nutrition (EGRAN) which involves six laboratories from five countries (Belgium, France, ltaly, Portugal and Spain). The aim of the group was to propose a method at once reliable, quick and- simple. This new rnethod can be regarded as a baseline for calibrating individual laboratory procedures. The method is based on 7 to 8 weeks old rabbits caged individually and fed ad libitum. The pre-experimental period lasts 7 days and the collection period only 4 days. For either feed and faeces, standardized conditions of sampling and drying are described.