Possibilities to reduce the feed conversion in rabbit production

Different possibilities to reduce the feed conversion ratio (FCR) both in fatteners and females are discussed. The dietary factor having the largest impact on the FCR in fatteners is the energy concentration. Within practical margins, an increase with 0.5 MJ DE/kg leads to a decrease of the FCR with 0.15-0.20 points. The fibrous rabbit diets can be made more energy dense by using fat or oil rich feedstuffs. In a phase feeding schedule, a significant decrease of the FCR can herewith be obtained in the finishing period. Once fatteners have a weight of 2.0 kg, their FCR exceeds 3.25. The use of a quickly growing sire line (high correlation with FCR) leads to a reduction of the FCR of over 10% during the fattening stage. In females, the number of weaned young is the most determining factor. An increase with 5 young/ọ/year decreases the FCR in the maternity with 11%. When simultaneously the post-weaning mortality decrease with 5%, the positive impact on the FCR is even 18%. Losses in the fattening stage, especially in the finishing period have a large impact; e.g. a decrease from 10 till 5% reduces the FCR in the fattening unit with 6.6%. Also a correct restriction of fatteners or non lactating does is helpful to reduce the farm FCR. High stocking density or large group sizes leads to a less favourable FCR. Optimalization of the different factors involved in the FCR leads to a farm FCR around 3.0.