Replacing Soybean with Leucaena leucocephala Leaf in the Diets of Growing Rabbits

Abstract

A total of 15 New Zealand White x Californian weaner rabbits were randomly distributed into 3 treatments each with five replicates and allocated to three diets in which soybean bean meal was replaced with soaked and sun dried leucaena leaves at 0%(control, T₁), 50%( T₂) and 100% (T₃). The rabbits were fed ad libitum for 7 weeks. Results showed that Daily feed intake was similar (p >0.05). Total feed cost reduced as soybean meal was replaced with Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal. The Total weight gain (g) decreased, with increased inclusion of L. leucocephala. Total weight gain for T₁, T₂ and T₃ were 801.50 ± 59.82, 719.67± 56.30 and 596.60 ± 68.43 respectively. Rabbits on T₁and T₂ had similar final body weight gain (p >0.05). The eviscerated weight for rabbits on T₁, T₂ and T₃ were 626.67 ± 50.54, 664.67 ± 85.11 and 524.67 ± 69.80g, respectively and significantly differed. Rabbits fed diets in which soybean meal was completely replaced by leaves had higher kidney weights (p < 0.05). Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that L. leucocephala can be included up to 7.0% in the diets of growing rabbits provided it is processed by soaking and sun drying