EFFICIENCY OF USING RICE HUSKS IN FEEDING GROWING RABBITS AS ANTI-AFLATOXINS

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of using rice husks (RH) like anti- aflatoxins and source of fibers at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 % as replaced clover hay in the rations of growing rabbits. Seventy-five unsexed, weaned New Zealand White rabbits of 5 weeks old were randomly divided into five experimental groups (15 rabbits / group). The trial continued for 8 weeks. The results obtained showed that using rice husks in growing rabbits diets: low content significant of total aflatoxins in growing rabbit diets and faeces. No significant effect on productive performance (live body weight, daily body weight gains and feed conversion ratio), expect 3% RH was highly significant in feed consumption compared with control group. The control group numerically highest but not significant (P>.05) for TDN value and digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract compared to RH groups. Rabbits fed 12% RH had the lowest values (P>.05) for digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract compared to the other groups, however, it showed significantly (P<.05) higher digestibility of ether extract than other groups. Higher dressing and weight of hot carcass percentages were recorded for rabbits fed 3% RH. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total lipids, cholesterol or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration were not significantly affected due to including RH into rabbit diets. However aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly decreased by different levels of RH. Rabbits had 6% RH in their diet showed higher economic efficiency percentage compared with other group. The results revealed that 6% RH can be used in growing rabbit diets as anti–total aflatoxins and source of fiber without any adverse effect on productive performance and carcass characteristics with high obtained economic efficiency value.