Borassus aethiopum, Desmodium tortuosum, Moringa oleifera and Stylosanthes guianensis-Based Diets for Local Rabbit Does’ Nutrition

Objectives: The fibre plays an important role in rabbit diets, and local sources include Stylosanthes guianensis (Sg), Desmodium tortuosum (Dt), and many other grasses. This experiment evaluated the lactogenic potential of Borassus aethiopum (Ba) dried fruit pulp, and Moringa oleifera (Mo) dried leaves and young stems. Specifically, their effect on local rabbit does litter size and kits’ growth were examined. Materials and Methods: Six diets were prepared, including a control containing 25%Sg and 17% corn (Zea mays) (Sg25%Zm17%), 20% of Sg (Sg20%), 20% of Ba (Ba20%), 20% of Dt (Dt20%), 10% of Ba and 10% of Mo (Ba10%Mo10%), and 10% of Sg and 10% of Mo (Sg10%Mo10%). Sixty 4-month-old nulliparous does were divided into 6 groups of 10 each, and each group was fed on one diet. The litter sizes and milk production were recorded, and kits were weighed weekly for a month. Results: The mean litter size was 5.13±0.80 (0.52≤p≤0.91). But Dt20% diet performed better than other diets and had a litter size of 6 kits. Whereas Ba20% was the worst diet with a litter size of 4. For the milk production, Ba10%Mo10% diet showed good lactation from day 2 for 75.6 g to day-15 for 72.4 g. Finally, due to its corn, diet Sg25%Zm17% produced the best live weight for 450.67 g (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Borassus aethiopum and Moringa oleifera combinations can replace Stylosanthes guianensis in rabbit diets, as fibre sources.