Data set on early feed intake and growth performances of rabbits fed during the suckling period with pellets differing in diameter or compression rate using a double-choice testing design.

TitleData set on early feed intake and growth performances of rabbits fed during the suckling period with pellets differing in diameter or compression rate using a double-choice testing design.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsPaës, C, Aymard, P, Debrusse, A-M, Laperruque, F, Bannelier, C, Bébin, K, Duperray, J, Gohier, C, Guené-Grand, E, Rebours, G, Gidenne, T, Fortun-Lamothe, L, Combes, S
JournalData Brief
Volume29
Pagination105196
Date Published2020 Apr
ISSN2352-3409
Abstract

Weaning is a critical period for the health of rabbits, with a high sensitivity to digestive diseases. Allowing early consumption of solid feed in the nest of the suckling rabbit could help to maintain its health around weaning. In general, previous studies have focused on feed intake of rabbits when they are able to leave the nest, i.e. around 16 days. Herein, we provide a unique dataset of the dynamics of the onset of feed intake in suckling rabbits from 8 days to weaning. We quantified the solid feed intake behaviour and determined the dietary preferences for pellets according to their physical properties using nine pellets differing in diameter or compression rate. Additionally to the data provided in Paës et al. [1] we provide (i) the description of the nine pellets processing (ii) the description of the 3 point-scale system for nest quality evaluation, (iii) details on the device used to provide pellets in the nest, (iv) milk intake data and milk intake curve calculation and (v) pellet intake data according to physical characteristics.

DOI10.1016/j.dib.2020.105196
Alternate JournalData Brief
PubMed ID32071976
PubMed Central IDPMC7013332
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