The objective of the present study to investigate the effect of feed restriction system on growing performance, carcass traits, meat quality and blood parameters of growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, during experimental periods from 5 to 13 weeks of age. A total number of 90 NZW rabbits (male and female ratio 1:1) of weaning aged 5 weeks (about 777.45±10.38g body weight) were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n=18 each), the first group was fed ad-libitum as control, the second group was fed restriction a mount of feed for first 2 weeks only, the third group was fed restriction for 4 weeks only, the fourth group was fed restriction 6 weeks only and the fifth group was fed restriction for all experimental period (8weeks).
Results showed a significant (P< 0.01) increased of live body weight, weight gain and feed intake in group 1 (ad libitum) as compared with other restricted groups. No significant effect was observed in health status or mortality percentage of rabbits during experimental periods.
Renal fat was significantly (P< 0.05) reduced in rabbits restricted as compared with control group.The meat pH was not affected by restriction feed groups. On the other hand blood parameters studied were not significantly influenced by the treatment.
Conclusively, it could be concluded that, feed restriction groups of growing rabbits at different ages studied with various mounts can be adopted because it does not interfere negatively in the performance, meat quality and blood parameters. Also it's beneficial in improvement of feed and economic efficiencies.