Dietary supplementation effects with Ruta graveolens on performance, carcass traits and meat quality on rabbits

Abstract

Ruta graveolens is a weed that can be used to feed rabbits. The aim of this study was to determine growth performance, carcass and meat quality of rabbits after their dietary supplementation with Ruta graveolens. Sixty (60) weaned rabbits were randomly assigned to five treatments; control diet (C) or diets supplemented either with leaves (25RL or 50RL) or complete plant of Ruta graveolens (25CP or 50CP). The use of Ruta graveolens has a similar (P>0.05) growth performance to the control group and feed conversion rate. Carcass quality was different (P<0.05) among treatments in empty body weight, empty gastrointestinal tract and fat. The pH decreased when Ruta graveolens was used to feed growing rabbits, but meat produced better texture parameters than control group. The results obtained in the present study suggest that Ruta graveolens can be considered as an alternative feed source in the diets of rabbits.