Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala Leaves in Southern Benin | InformativeBD Informative bd | Sharing Knowledge InformativeBD | Sharing Knowledge on Education, Tech & More

Effects of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Benin

Azonwakin Rodrigue Akotegnon, Euloge Oscar Manhognon Faton, Fatoumata Bah, Kenneth Zougou, Eudoxie Sidoine Kai Assou, Clémentine Michodjehoun, Steven Chokki, Assirius Kotomale, and Alphonse Sezan, from the different institute of Benin. wrote a Reseach Article about, Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala Leaves in Southern BeninGrowth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala Leaves in Southern Benin. Entitled, Effects of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Benin. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Our study aims to analyze the effect of adding Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves to the diet of rabbits on their zootechnical parameters. This study was conducted on 16 weaned rabbits aged 8 weeks, divided into four groups and fed different diets, including either commercial feed alone or commercial feed supplemented with Ipomoea aquatica or Leucaena leucocephala leaves. We measured growth parameters, feed utilization, and carcass characteristics. The results showed that the addition of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves significantly improved (p<0.001) the rabbits’ growth rate. The group fed with commercial feed and Ipomoea aquatica leaves exhibited the best feed conversion ratio. Although the diets showed significant differences, there was no significant difference in carcass yield, even though the group receiving commercial feed with Ipomoea aquatica leaves had a higher yield. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that adding Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves to rabbit diets can enhance their zootechnical performance.

Introduction

Proteins are essential for growth, reproduction, immunity, as well as the maintenance and development of bones in humans. They play a key role in the overall functioning of the body (Elmadfa and Meyer, 2017; Wu, 2016). The rabbit farming industry is an important sector for the economies, both rural and urban, of many countries (Oseni and Lukefahr, 2014). It provides high-quality animal proteins to a growing population and contributes to improving the livelihoods of local producers (Lebas et al., 1997). However, feed costs represent a significant portion of the total production costs for rabbits, posing a major challenge for breeders (Gidenne et al., 2010).

In this context, several studies have explored the incorporation of low-cost, nutrient-rich plant byproducts into animal feed. Among them, the leaves of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala have been successfully used in the feeding of various animal species, such as poultry, ruminants, and pigs (Pascual et al., 2003; Koné et al., 2020). Research by Defang et al. (2014) showed that incorporating 20% Leucaena leucocephala into the diet improves feed intake and digestibility in rabbits.

To assess the potential effects of incorporating Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves into rabbit feed, a study was conducted under the title: "Effects of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala Leaves on the Growth Performance of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Southern Benin." This research aims to evaluate the potential benefits for local producers, including reducing production costs, improving feed quality, and optimizing rabbit growth.

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of incorporating Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth parameters of rabbits. More specifically, it involves analyzing the feed consumption associated with these leaves, as well as their effect on growth rate and meat production in rabbits fed these diets.

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