ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginger as an additive in the diet of fattening rabbits. Sixty weaned rabbits (35 days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15). Animals were fed ad libitum with a control diet or one of three experimental diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 2 g of ginger per 100 g of feed during 28 d. Weight gain in the final week of the experiment was significantly greater in rabbits fed ginger at 0.5 g/100 g of feed than in those fed ginger at 1 and 2 g/100 g of feed or the control diet. No significant differences in morphometric measurements were observed among the treatments, but higher values of live weight, carcass length, and carcass circumference were observed in rabbits treated with ginger than in those fed the control diet. Regarding carcass quality parameters involving the kidneys and empty gastrointestinal tract, we found that rabbits treated with ginger at 0.5 g/100 g of feed showed significant differences from those treated with ginger at 1 and 2 g/100 g of feed or the control diet. pH, water holding capacity, L*, and a* did not significantly differ among the treatments, although greater water holding capacity was observed in rabbits treated with ginger than in control rabbits. Parameter b* was significantly higher in rabbits fed ginger at 2 g/100 g of feed than in those fed at 0.5 and 1 g/100 g of feed and in the control. The results found suggest that ginger can be used as an additive in diets of fattening rabbits.

Resumen: Se evaluó el uso de Dalbergia Palo-escrito, como curtiente natural de piel de conejo. Se realizaron dos ensayos con extractos acuosos de Dalbergia palo-escrito, para el primero se utilizó hoja y tallo, para el segundo solo se utilizó tallo a concentración de 20, 40 y 60 g L-1, se realizó el curtido de piel de conejo y se evaluó color, textura y propiedades físicas de la piel. Al utilizar extracto de hoja y 60 g L-1 de tallo disminuyó la luminosidad (P < 0.05). Las pérdidas de peso de la piel, firmeza y fracturabilidad se incrementaron con 40 g L-1; y con 20, 40 y 60 g L-1 las pérdidas de área y la proporción de tamaño disminuyeron, e incrementó suavidad, brillo y firmeza. Las pieles de conejo curtidas con extractos de Dalbergia palo-escrito a concentración de 40 g L-1, presentaron mejor calidad física.

Abstract: Evaluate the Dalbergia palo-escrito, as a natural tanning agent for rabbit skin. Two tests were carried out with extracts of D. palo-escrito, for the first, with leaf and stem, for the second the stem at different concentrations (20, 40 and 60 g L-1). With the extract, it carried out the tanning of rabbit skin, to evaluate color, texture and physical properties of the skin. The leaf and 60 g L-1 of stem extract decreased (P < 0.05) luminosity, while it did not affect the loss of weight and size of the skin. The loss of skin weight, firmness and fracturing increased with 40 g L-1; with 20, 40 and 60 g L-1 the loss of area and the proportion of size decreased, instead they increased softness, gloss and firmness. Concluded that the rabbit skins tanned with extracts of D. palo-escrito at a concentration of 40 g L-1, presented better physical quality.

Abstract Ruta graveolens is a weed that can be used to feed rabbits. The aim of this study was to determine growth performance, carcass and meat quality of rabbits after their dietary supplementation with Ruta graveolens. Sixty (60) weaned rabbits were randomly assigned to five treatments; control diet (C) or diets supplemented either with leaves (25RL or 50RL) or complete plant of Ruta graveolens (25CP or 50CP). The use of Ruta graveolens has a similar (P>0.05) growth performance to the control group and feed conversion rate. Carcass quality was different (P<0.05) among treatments in empty body weight, empty gastrointestinal tract and fat. The pH decreased when Ruta graveolens was used to feed growing rabbits, but meat produced better texture parameters than control group. The results obtained in the present study suggest that Ruta graveolens can be considered as an alternative feed source in the diets of rabbits.

Resumen Ruta graveolens es una maleza que se puede utilizar como alimento de conejos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la tasa de crecimiento, la calidad de la canal y de la carne de conejos después de la suplementación dietética con Ruta graveolens. En total, 60 conejos destetados fueron asignados aleatoriamente a cinco tratamientos: dieta control (C), dieta adicionada con hojas (25RL o 50RL) o la planta completa de Ruta graveolens (25CP o 50CP). Con el uso de Ruta graveolens se observó tasas de crecimiento y de conversión alimenticia similares al grupo control (P>0.05). La calidad de la canal difirió (P<0.05) entre tratamientos en peso de cuerpo vacío, tubo gastrointestinal vacío y grasa. El pH disminuyó en los conejos en crecimiento alimentados con Ruta graveolens, pero la carne presentó mejores parámetros de textura que el grupo control. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que Ruta graveolens se puede considerar como una fuente alimenticia alternativa en la dieta de conejos.

Abstract Plants with high levels of antioxidant compounds have been used to feed animals and increase stability of their meat and meat products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides infusion on carcass, meat and burger quality. Rabbits were assigned to each treatment (0, 5 or 10 g.L-1 of Chenopodium ambrosioides). Animals were slaughtered after 28 days of fattening, after which carcass and meat quality was measured, and the meat obtained was processed into burgers. Results indicate that all variables measured were not significant, except for dissectible fat, pH, adhesiveness, L* value, and initial total plate counts in burgers. It is concluded that Chenopodium ambrosioides infusion could be used to feed rabbits, acquire meat, and use the meat for processing burgers, which have low bacterial growth and low oxidation development.

ABSTRACT Fattening commercial feed cost for rabbits in Mexico is high, the reduction of its cost without affecting the production parameters, the quality of the carcass and meat is of great interest for the agricultural industry. It has been proposed the use of supplements that provide the necessary energy requirements in the fattening of rabbits, among which we can mention the cookie waste, which can be a source of energy to replace conventional food and thus reduce costs. In this work, we intended to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of cookie waste over the productive parameters, the quality of the carcass and rabbit meat. 8 Nueva Zelanda rabbits were used distributed completely randomly in two treatments, the control and the experimental one (cookie waste). The results obtained showed that the use of biscuit waste on fattening feeding for rabbits did not affect the productive parameters, quality of the carcass and meat (p> 0.05), which suggests that it is a viable option for rabbit production, as well as a cheaper option.

RESUMEN El costo de los alimentos comerciales para la engorda de conejos en México es alto, y disminuirlos sin afectar los parámetros productivos, la calidad de la canal y de la carne es de gran interés para la industria agropecuaria. Se ha propuesto el uso de suplementos que provean los requerimientos energéticos necesarios en la engorda de conejos, entre los que podemos mencionar el desperdicio de galleta, la cual puede ser una fuente de energía que sustituya a los alimentos convencionales y de esta manera aminorar los costos. En este trabajo, se pretende evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de desperdicio de galleta sobre los parámetros productivos, la calidad de la canal y de la carne de conejos. Se usaron 8 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda distribuidos completamente al azar en dos tratamientos, el control y el experimental (con desperdicio de galleta). Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el uso del desperdicio de galleta en la alimentación de conejos en engorda, no afectó los parámetros productivos, calidad de la canal y de la carne (p>0.05), lo que sugiere que es una opción viable para la producción en conejos, debido a que no altera los parámetros productivos y la calidad de carne y la canal, además de ser una opción más económica.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to use different parts of the Tithonia tubaeformis plant in feed for fattening rabbits and then observe the effects on carcass and meat quality. Forty-eight weaned rabbits (35 days of age) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12 by treatment). Animals were fed ad libitum a control diet as well as three experimental diets, with addition of Tithonia tubaeformis leaves, whole plant, and stems. Rabbits were slaughtered after 63 days of age without fasting. Results indicate that live weight (0.917), skin (0.79), feet (6.679), and lumbar circumference of the carcass (0.707) have higher positive correlations with hot carcass. There were no significant differences between treatments for all variables measured, except for kidneys and kidney fat. pH and color values were different among treatments. The results indicate that Tithonia tubaeformis leaves or the whole plant could be added to feed for growing rabbits.

Abstract: The present work was carried out in order to determine the effect of chamomile and rue inclusion, in the feeding process of fattening rabbits on the quality of the carcass and meat. For that reason, 24 rabbits were used at weaning and fattened for four weeks until reaching an average of 63 d of age. The rabbits were sacrificed and the quality of the carcass and meat was evaluated, morphometric measurements were taken, in addition to carrying out the dissection of the carcass. The main results indicate significant differences (P <0.05) in the length of the carcass, the weight of hot and cold carcass, middle part, meat and pH of the meat, having better results in the treatment with rue. That is why it is concluded that this plant has the potential to be used as an improvement of the quality of carcass in fattening rabbits.

Resumen: El presente trabajo se realizó con la finalidad de determinar el efecto de la inclusión de manzanilla y ruda en el alimento de conejos de engorda sobre la calidad de la canal y de la carne. Para ello se emplearon 24 conejos al destete y se engordaron por cuatro semanas hasta alcanzar un promedio de 63 d de edad. Los conejos fueron sacrificados y se evaluó la calidad de la canal y de la carne, para ello se tomaron medidas morfométricas, además de realizar la disección de la canal. Los resultados indican diferencias significativas (P<0.05) en largo de la canal, peso de la canal caliente y fría, parte media, carne y pH de la carne resultando con mejores promedios en el tratamiento que contiene ruda. Es por ello que se concluye que esta planta tiene potencial para ser utilizada para mejorar la calidad de la canal en conejos de engorda.

Abstract: Tithonia tubaeformis has been studied little in general, as far as is known it has not been used in the feeding of rabbits. It is, for this reason, the aim of this study to use different parts of Tithonia tubaeformis plant in the feeding of rabbits with the purpose of observing the effect on the productive parameters in fattening animals. 48 rabbits of the races New Zealand, California and Mariposa were used, distributed in 4 treatments. Production parameters were measured during fattening, and morphometric and yield measurements of the carcass were also made. The results indicate that there are no significant differences (P> 0.05) of all the variables measured, but there is a tendency to improve the productive parameters of rabbits by including Tithonia tubaeformis leaves in their diet. Therefore, it is concluded that this plant can be used in the feeding of fattening rabbits without presenting adverse productive effects.

Resumen: Tithonia tubaeformis se ha estudiado poco en general, hasta donde se tiene conocimiento no se ha empleado en la alimentación de conejos. Es por ello con el objetivo de este estudio utilizar diferentes partes de la planta de Tithonia tubaeformis en la alimentación de conejos con la finalidad de observar el efecto sobre los parámetros productivos en animales de engorda. Se utilizaron 48 conejos de las razas Nueva Zelanda, California y Mariposa, distribuidos en 4 tratamientos. Se midieron parámetros productivos durante la engorda, también se realizaron mediciones morfométricas y de rendimiento de la canal. Los resultados indican que no existen diferencias significativas (P>0.05) de todas las variables medidas, pero existe una tendencia a mejorar los parámetros productivos de los conejos al incluir en su dieta hojas de Tithonia tubaeformis. Por ello se concluye que esta planta puede ser empleada en la alimentación de conejos de engorda sin presentar efectos productivos adversos.

Abstract: Rabbit breeding is an activity that is growing worldwide due to its easy handling, high reproduction rate and the possibility of generating profits from the sale of animals or the benefit of animal protein through self-consumption. The high feed costs in the production of rabbits through the use of commercial food, make that are looked for alternatives of feeding for this species, as it can be the "palo escrito" plant (Dalbergia palo-escrito sp). The leaves of this plant contain high amounts of protein, it is perhaps for this reason that this gender is part of their diet. The effect of replacing the proportion of alfalfa per "palo escrito" in the diet of rabbits for fattening on the quality of the carcass and the meat of rabbits was evaluated. The results showed that the use of "palo escrito" in the diet of rabbits is totally harmful, since, in the first week of treatment, all the animals died, even though some beneficial effect has been reported in some other animals. Regarding the use of alfalfa or maize in multinutritional diets, the rabbits treated with maize showed a significant difference in the productive parameters and in the quality of the carcassl with respect to those treated with alfalfa. It is necessary to continue studying the "palo escrito" because possibly its secondary metabolites may have the beneficial effect if they are included as additives.

Resumen: La cunicultura es una actividad que está creciendo a nivel mundial, debido a su fácil manejo, alta tasa de reproducción y la posibilidad de generar utilidades por la venta de animales o el beneficio de proteína animal mediante el autoconsumo. Los altos costos de alimentación en la producción de conejos mediante la utilización de alimentos comerciales, hacen que se busquen alternativas de alimentación para esta especie, como puede ser el palo escrito (Dalbergia palo-escrito sp). Las hojas de esta planta contienen altas cantidades de proteína, es quizás por ello que, este género forme parte de su dieta. Se evaluó el efecto de la sustitución de la proporción de alfalfa por palo escrito en la dieta de conejos de engorda sobre la calidad de la canal y de la carne de conejos. Los resultados encontrados mostraron que el uso de palo escrito en la dieta de los conejos es totalmente perjudicial, ya que, a la primera semana de tratamiento, todos los animales murieron, a pesar de que ha sido reportado efecto benéfico en algunos otros animales. Respecto al uso de alfalfa o maíz en dietas multinutricionales, los conejos tratados con maíz mostraron una diferencia significativa en los parámetros productivos y en la calidad de la canal con respecto a los tratados con alfalfa. Es necesario seguir estudiando el palo escrito debido a que posiblemente sus metabolitos secundarios pueden tener efecto benéfico si se incluyen como aditivos.

Abstract: The use of commercial exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (cellulases and xylanases) has been widely used in animal production, in order to complement the activity of the endogenous enzymes, to achieve an increase in milk production response. In this research, we intend to utilize as an alternative the use of exogenous enzymes obtained from the spent substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus in order to evaluate the productive parameters of goats. The results showed that the inclusion in the diet of this enzymatic extract had an effect on daily weight gain, milk production, and consumption. This suggests that the enzymatic extract obtained from the spent substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus may be an alternative to improve the productive parameters of goats.

Resumen: La utilización de enzimas fibrolíticas exógenas comerciales (celulasas y xilanasas) ha sido ampliamente empleada en producción animal, con la finalidad de complementar la actividad de las enzimas endógenas, para lograr un incremento en la respuesta de producción de leche. En esta investigación se pretende utilizar como alternativa el uso de enzimas exógenas obtenidas del sustrato gastado de Pleurotus ostreatus con el fin de evaluar los parámetros productivos de cabras. Los resultados mostraron que la inclusión en la dieta de este extracto enzimático, tuvo efecto sobre la ganancia diaria de peso, producción de leche y consumo de alimento. Lo que sugiere que el extracto enzimático obtenido del sustrato gastado de Pleurotus ostreatus, puede ser una alternativa para mejorar los parámetros productivos de las cabras.

Abstract: Rabbit breeding is an activity that is growing worldwide in recent times, due to its easy handling, the speed with which they reproduce and the possibility of generating animals for sale or self-consumption. Keeping rabbit's digestive system under appropriate pH conditions means that the food consumed can be better digested and nutrients are available for absorption, and pH can be a triggering factor that encourages the growth of microorganisms that may affect rabbits' health. Here we evaluated the quality of the carcass and rabbit meat in animals treated with vinegar and fermented water in consumption water, in order to improve the functioning of the digestive system, to obtain better quality characteristics of the carcass and the meat. The results showed that there are no significant differences when using vinegar or fermented water in the meat quality and the carcass in rabbits, only a significant difference in color was observed in the value of L (P<0.01) in the treatment which consumed vinegar; so it would be important to use a fermented drink with an acid-lactic bacterium isolated from the rabbit's own digestive system and observe its action on the quality of meat and the carcass.

Resumen: La cunicultura es una actividad que está creciendo a nivel mundial en los últimos tiempos, debido a su fácil manejo, la rapidez con la que se reproducen y la posibilidad de generar animales para su venta o autoconsumo. El mantener un sistema digestivo del conejo bajo condiciones apropiadas de pH, hace que el alimento consumido se pueda digerir mejor y los nutrientes estén disponibles para su absorción, además de que el pH puede ser un factor desencadenante que propicie el crecimiento de microorganismos que puedan afectar la salud del conejo. Aquí evaluamos la calidad de la canal y de la carne de conejo, en animales tratados con vinagre y agua fermentada en agua de bebida, con la finalidad de mejorar el funcionamiento del sistema digestivo, para obtener mejores características de la calidad de la canal y de la carne. Los resultados encontrados mostraron que no existen diferencias significativas si se utiliza vinagre o agua fermentada en la calidad de carne y de la canal en conejos, sólo se observó diferencia significativa en el color, en el valor de L (P<0.01) en el tratamiento que consumió vinagre; por lo que sería importante utilizar una bebida fermentada con una bacteria ácido-láctica aislada del propio sistema digestivo del conejo y observar su acción sobre la calidad de carne y de la canal.

Abstract: Rabbit breeding is an activity that is growing worldwide in recent times, due to its easy handling, the speed with which they reproduce and the possibility of generating animals for sale or self-consumption. One of the main problems facing this activity is that there are no pharmacological options for the treatment of diseases in these animals, for that reason, alternative strategies have been sought to protect and/or prevent against these diseases, one of the options is the use of medicinal plants. Here we evaluate the effect of epazote infusion on rabbit fattening, animal production, and carcass yield. The results showed that the use of 10 g of epazote administered as an infusion in rabbit fattening increased the productive parameters and allowed no mortality during the 4 weeks of treatment, so it would be important to evaluate its effect on the quality of meat and meat products derived from it.

Resumen: La cunicultura es una actividad que está creciendo a nivel mundial en los últimos tiempos, debido a su fácil manejo, la rapidez con la que se reproducen y la posibilidad de generar animales para su venta o autoconsumo. Uno de los principales problemas a los que se enfrenta esta actividad, es que no hay opciones farmacológicas para el tratamiento de enfermedades en dichos animales, por tal motivo, se han buscado estrategias alternativas para proteger y/o prevenir contra estas enfermedades, una de las opciones es el uso de plantas medicinales. Aquí evaluamos el efecto de la utilización de infusión de epazote en la engorda de conejos, sobre la producción animal y rendimiento de la canal. Los resultados encontrados mostraron que el uso de 10 g de epazote administrados como infusión en la engorda de conejos, aumentó los parámetros productivos y permitió que no hubiera mortalidad durante las 4 semanas de tratamiento, por lo que sería importante evaluar su efecto sobre la calidad de la carne y los productos cárnicos derivados de la misma.