Effect of the inclusion of Amaranthus dubius in diets on carcass characteristics and meat quality of fattening rabbits

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Amaranthus dubius on carcass characteristics and meat quality of fattening rabbits. One hundred and six New Zealand White rabbits, weaned at 35 d of age, were assigned to three experimental diets including 0%, 16% and 32% of A. dubius (A0, A16 and A32), and were fed ad libitum until their slaughter at 87 d of age. Drip loss percentage (A0: 2.47, A16: 3.83 and A32: 3.61%; P < .05), dissectible fact percentage (A0: 3.02, A16: 3.63 and A32: 3.77%; P < .05) and thoracic cage percentage (A0: 12.97, A16: 13.68 and A32: 13.68%; P < .05) increased with diets including A. dubius. Contrarily, hind part percentage (A0: 40.00, A16: 38.95 and A32: 38.89%; P < .05) and compactness of the carcass decreased (A0: 2.38, A16: 2.42 and A32: 2.48; P < .01). The inclusion of A. dubius in the diets increased protein (A0: 21.52, A16: 23.76 and A32: 24.27%; P < .05) and fat contents (A0: 3.33, A16: 4.16 and A32: 5.39%; P < .05), while moisture of meat decreased proportionally (A0: 74.23, A16: 70.99 and A32: 67.70%; P < .05). These findings suggest that A. dubius can be considered as an alternative raw material for rabbit feeding in tropical and subtropical regions where it is widespread.