FIBER SOURCES IN RABBIT DIETS: PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS, AND MEAT QUALITY

Abstract

Pleurotus ostreatus is the most widely consumed edible mushroom worldwide, and its cultivation generates large amounts of spent mushroom substrate. When improperly disposed or accumulated, it can contribute to air, water, and soil pollution. Therefore, developing alternative uses for this waste is essential, including its incorporation into animal diets as a potential source of dietary fiber. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of different fiber sources in rabbit diets on productive performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. A one-way experimental design was used to evaluate 45 rabbits (35 days old) of New Zealand x California x Mariposa crossbred genotype. The rabbits were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: spent P. ostreatus substrate (SGP), barley straw (PCE), alfalfa hay (TA), and a mixture of wheat bran and soybean hulls (STCS) for a period of 28 days, in which productive parameters were evaluated. Subsequently, the animals were slaughtered to determine carcass traits and meat quality. The results revealed that the inclusion of SGP increased hot carcass weight and the amount of meat in the legs (P <0.05), but did not affect productive parameters or meat quality (P> 0.05). However, the SCTS group recorded lower final weight and body weight gain. The results allow concluding that spent P. ostreatus substrate can feasibly be used as a fiber source in rabbit diets, as its inclusion did  not adversely affect productive parameters, carcass traits, or meat quality.