Effects of processed Leucaena leucocephala Leaf Meal on the Reproductive and Pre-weaning Performance of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus)

Abstract

In an experiment designed to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of differently processed Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal on reproductive performance of rabbits does, 40 local breeds does of about 20 weeks old were fed five diets (T₁-T₅). Four different processing methods were used to reduce the mimosine content in Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal for inclusion in diets T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ at 40% fixed level. Diet T₁ which is the control contained no Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal and was designated NLLM, T₂ contained air dried Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal and was designated ADLLM, T₃ contained soaked Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal in fresh water for 36 hours and was designated FWLLM, T₄ contained Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal soaked in 60⁰C hot water for 24 hours and was designated HWLLM while T₅ contained fermented Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal for five days and was designated FLLM. The result showed significant (P<0.05) differences in all the reproductive parameters measured. Pre weaning performance traits of rabbit kittens were significantly (P<0.05) lower in rabbits fed diets containing air dried Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal. It was concluded that air dry method of processing Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal was not effective enough to reduce the mimosine content to a tolerable level in rabbit diet. Soaking Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal, in fresh water for 36 hours at room temperature, in 60⁰C hot water for 24 hours and fermentation of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal for five days were recommended for use at 40% level of inclusion in rabbit diet.