The effect of dietary fat on the performance and body composition of rabbits in their second lactation

The influence of fat addition to diet on performance and body composition was studied in 53 crossbreed rabbit does (Californian×New Zealand) by comparative slaughter during the second lactation. Fifteen does were slaughtered immediately after their second parturition (preliminary slaughter group) to estimate initial empty body weight and composition. The 38 remaining does were divided into two groups offered one of two pelleted diets: a control diet (diet C) with 26 g ether extract (EE) kg−1 dry matter (DM), and a diet with added fat from vegetable sources at 99 g EE kg−1 DM (diet V). The does were slaughtered after a lactation period of 28 days with standardized litters of eight pups. Fat addition did not affect food intake (117.8 and 116.5 g DM per day kg−0.75 for C and V diets, respectively), but increased the digestible energy intake (1296 and 1445 kJ per day kg−0.75; P<0.01), digestible protein intake (15.3 and 17.6 g per day kg−0.75; P<0.01), milk production (191 and 237 g per day; P<0.01) and litter weight at weaning (3.934 and 4.691 kg; P<0.01). During lactation, rabbit does lost empty body weight (−57 g) and had negative protein, fat and energy balances (−21 g protein, −79 g fat and −3.4 MJ energy), but diet had no effect.