THE EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION ON MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER RABBITS: A REVIEW

The aim of this review was to analyze the effect of feed restriction on meat quality. Feed restriction in broiler rabbits is applied mainly due to the limitation of health problems in the period after weaning. Restriction of feed in rabbits affects growth during the time of application, but also during realimentation period. Parameters relevant for meat quality can be affected along with the change of growth rate. Good knowledge of the carcass composition and influencing factors is important for the correction evaluation of the impact of feed restriction on the meat quality parameters. Stronger feed restriction reduces growth and slaughter weight and has a negative effect on dressing percentage, loin share, and meat to bone ratio, but positively effects fat content. A mild restriction does not affect carcass composition. Meat quality is basically described by chemical composition, physical traits including pH value, and meat colour, and one of the most important characteristics is muscle fibre. Higher water and lower lipid contents were detected in restricted rabbits. Feed restriction increases proportion of oxidative fibres in muscles and leads to higher pH value. Meat colour is not influen ced by restriction of feed.