Global feed conversion in semi-intensive rabbit production system of Argentina.

The global feed conversion is a variable used to measure feed efficiency in production systems. The number of rabbits produced/doe/year is the most influential factor on production cost. Feeding can be considered a variable cost in livestock, because it varies with the number of rabbits, and that cost becomes diluted when the number of rabbits produced increases. The aim of the present work was to analyze factors that influenced the global feed conversion ratio (FCR) of a semi-intensive rabbit production system of Azul, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Five breeds (Californian, New Zealand White, New Zealand Black, Butterfly, and Fauve de Bourgogne) were used. The doe productivity varied according to the applied reproduction rhythm (p=0.002), being an average of 1.29±0.09 animal produced/doe/month for the rhythm of 52 days, and 2.38±0.28 for the rhythm of 42 days. The fertility rate was on the average 65% and 77% for the reproductive rhythm of 52 to 42 days respectively. A total of 20,091 kg of feed was required to produce 1027 rabbits (19.6 kg/animal), with a global feed conversion rate of 6.9. The slaughter weight varied according to the applied reproduction rhythm (p=0.008), with an average of 2.79±0.10 kg. However, in the first period, rabbits were heavier (3.31±0.15 kg). The rabbit/feed price ratio was 12.8 to 16 depending on the sale price (retail or wholesale), respectively. The doe productivity was different according the reproductive rhythm applied, and this affected the FCR and the feed consumed/rabbit produced.