Evaluation of Dehydrated Orange Pulp and Sugar Beet Pulp as Alternatives to Yellow Corn as Energy Sources in Rabbit Diets

In a completely randomized experiment, 63 unsexed weaned New Zealand White rabbits (6 weeks old, 817.2 ± 21.6 g) were used to evaluate the effects of replacing yellow corn (YC) with dehydrated orange pulp (OP) or sugar beet pulp (SBP) in their diets. The rabbits were divided into seven groups (9 rabbits each), each fed one of seven diets: a control diet with YC, or diets where 25%, 50%, and 75% of YC was replaced by 7.5%, 15%, and 22.5% of OP or SBP, respectively. The experiment lasted 56 days. Results showed significant improvements (P<0.01) in digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract, as well as in total digestible nutrients and digestible crude protein, in rabbits fed diets supplemented with OP or SBP. No significant changes were observed in growth performance parameters including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and relative growth rate. Blood analysis revealed increased levels (P<0.05 or 0.01) of albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, and calcium, while uric acid, creatinine, ALT, AST, and LDL significantly decreased. Other blood parameters remained unchanged, and all values were within normal physiological ranges. Carcass traits and organ weights showed no significant differences. This study demonstrated that dehydrated orange pulp (OP) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) can serve as effective alternative energy sources, successfully substituting up to 75% of yellow corn (YC) in rabbit diets without negative impacts, while enhancing nutrient utilization, supporting health status.