Effects of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Benin
Paper Details
Effects of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Benin
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.
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Azonwakin Rodrigue Akotegnon, Euloge Oscar Manhognon Faton, Fatoumata Bah, Kenneth Zougou, Eudoxie Sidoine Kai Assou, Clémentine Michodjehoun, Steven Chokki, Assirius Kotomale, Alphonse Sezan (2025), Effects of Ipomoea aquatica and Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Benin; IJB, V26, N4, April, P134-143
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