Ferreira et al., 1999. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 28 (1): 113-117

One hundred and eight New Zealand White rabbits of both sexes, weaned at 28 days of age, were housed at 35 days of age for 6 weeks, in partially shut housing consisting of galvanized wire cages (0.6 * 0.6 * 0.375 m) equipped with automatic feeders and nipple drinkers. Rabbits were fed ad libitum on a commercial granulated diet containing 16% CP, 11.84% ADF, 17.49% NDF, 1.20% Ca, 0.60% P and DE 2500 kcal/kg, during the experimental period and supplemented from 56 days of age, with pangola hay (Digitaria decumbens) containing 4.04% CP, 37.31% ADF, 52.04% NDF, 0.61% Ca, 0.10% P and DE 1180 kcal/kg, offered as 50 g/rabbit daily. Population densities tested were 1200, 900, 720 and 600 cm/rabbit, equivalent to capacities of 3, 4, 5 and 6 rabbits/cage, respectively. The increase in population density significantly decreased daily weight gain and daily intake of commercial diet per housed rabbit, without affecting feed to gain ratio and carcass yield. There was no sex effect in the studied variables. Mortality during the experimental period was not association with population density.