Chemical composition of tropical forages and their acceptability by the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

The suitability of seven forages (Moringa. oleifera, Ficus thonningii, Leucaena. leucocephala, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, G Gliricidia sepium, Albizia saman and Azadirachta indica) as feed resources for feeding domestic rabbits was studied. The acceptability, chemical analysis and crude fiber fractions were determined. The acceptability of the forages was assessed by cafeteria method using coefficient of preference (CoP). Five adult rabbits weighing 720±20.5g were used. The acceptability of the forages was best inM. oleifera (CoP > 1) followed by F. thoninngii. G. sepium, L. leucocephala and E. cyclocarpum had similar acceptability while A. indica and A. Saman had low acceptability. The order of acceptability was:M. oleifera > F. thonningii > L. leucocephala >E. cyclocarpum >G. sepium >A. indica and >A. saman. The chemical analysis of the five most acceptable forages showed that F. thoninngii had the least crude protein (CP) of 10.3% compared to the others forages that had CP ranging from 24 -30%.M. oleifera also had the least crude fibre (CF) of 9.0% compared to the other forages CF which ranged 14 -19% F. thonningii and L. leucocephala also had low ether extract (EE) of 6.0 and 8.0%respectively. The acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) fractions of the five most acceptable forages fell within the same range. In conclusion all the five most acceptable forages namely: M. oleifera, F. thonningii, L .leucocephala, E. cyclocarpum, G. sepium are possible legume feed resource for rabbits especially during the dry season.