Resumo

OLIVEIRA, M.C.  e  ALMEIDA, C.V.. Performance of growing rabbits reared under different stocking densities. Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. [online]. 2002, vol.54, n.5, pp. 530-533. ISSN 0102-0935.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352002000500012.

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of growing rabbits in different stocking densities. One hundred and thirty six non-sexed rabbits, 35 days old, were used in a randomized block design, with four treatments and four repetitions. The evaluated densities were: 11.67; 13.34; 15 e 16.67 rabbits/m² corresponding to the occupation of seven, eight, nine and ten rabbits/cage. At the end of the six-week-experimental-period, rabbits and rations were weighted to obtain final body weight, daily weight gain, daily ration consumption, feed:gain ratio and total meat production or kilograms of meat per square meter. No effects (P>0.05) of stocking densities on final body weight, daily weight gain, daily ration consumption and feed:gain ratio were observed. The production in kilograms of meat per square meter increased linearly (P<0.05) in relation to stocking density (27.86; 31.45; 34.64 and 38.12 kg/m²). The increase in stocking density did not affect the performance of the rabbits.

Palavras-chave : Rabbit; stocking density; performance.