Performance and Carcasses of local rabit (Lepus nigricollis) that are concentrated feed and carrot leaves (Daucus Carota)

            Improved performance of rabbits is an alternative that can be used as a source of high-quality animal protein, and diversification of animal protein sources, but white rabbit meat (less preferred) by consumers. The main obstacle faced in increasing the productivity of rabbits is feed cost. Carrot leaf is a waste of carrot harvest which is quite a lot of availability. Therefore, this study is important to examine the effect of carrot leaf (carrot harvest waste) combined with concentrates to improve the performance and β-carotene content of rabbit meat. This research was conducted by feeding trial using 96 local rabbits aged 5 weeks in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and 6 replications. The four treatments were rabbits fed carrot-based rations with supplementation of each: 0% concentrate as a control (A), 15% (B); 30% (C); and 45% (D). Measured responses were: feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass, amount of meat, protein content, fat and β-carotene of rabbit meat. The results of the research will produce a feed technology package based on carrot leaves, as well as publications in indexed international journals. This research is expected to provide information to the public regarding the use of carrot waste (carrot leaves) as a natural source of β-carotene in making rabbit rations. The final target of this research output can be directly applied by rabbit breeders to increase the quantity and quality of efficient production and rabbit meat with high protein and β-carotene content.