Author(s)

Agbo Gwladys Mènon^1,2,3, Mazou Mouaïmine^1*, Salifou Chakirath Folakè Arikè⁴, Dedome Sèdjro Ludolphe¹, Aminou Kabirath Osnelle Omotola¹, Gangbedji Edith², Dokui Faustin², Djossou Jospin Adriano¹, Yovo Mahudro¹, Seibou Tolebasoumanou³, Houndonougbo Mankpondji Frédéric², Tchobo Fidèle Paul¹

¹Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi Benin, Cotonou, Benin.
²Laboratory of Aviculture Research and Zoo-Economy, Faculty of agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi Benin, Cotonou, Benin.
³Zootechnics Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi Benin, Cotonou, Benin.
⁴Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Meat Technology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi Benin, Cotonou, Benin.

This study was conducted to valorize four sources of fiber (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera and palm nut fibers) in animal production. The experiments were carried out on 128 rabbits divided into 4 batches of 32 animals, reared for 8 weeks under the same conditions. Each batch was subdivided into two subgroups, one fed with a complete diet (a diet containing one of the fiber sources and served all day) and the other with the same diet separated from the fiber source (served at 9 a.m. and supplemented with the fiber source at 4 p.m.). Eight (8) experimental rations were, respectively, tested on the subgroups: complete feed Gliricidia sepium (CFG); supplemented feed Gliricidia sepium (SFG); complete feed Leucaena leucocephala (CFL); supplemented feed Leucaena leucocephala (SFL); complete feed Moringa oleifera (CFM); supplemented feed Moringa oleifera (SFM); complete feed palm nut fiber (CFF); supplemented feed palm nut fiber (SFF). In each subgroup, 4 rabbits were slaughtered at 15 weeks of age for a total of 32 rabbits. Physico-chemical parameters were evaluated on the feed and the meat. Data were analyzed using SAS 2013 software. Fiber content was similar (p > 0.05) for complete feeds. Fat content was high (p < 0.001) for the palm nuts fiber (27.34%) and the CFF feed (11.36%). Feeding rabbits with G. sepium leaves or palm nut fiber continuously increased the fat content of the meat in contrast to sequential feeding. Meat quality was also better when the fiber source was used in the feed of the rabbits in the evening.

Strategy of Feeding Fiber, L. leucocephala, M. oleifera, G. sepium, Palm Nuts

Mènon, A. , Mouaïmine, M. , Arikè, S. , Ludolphe, D. , Omotola, A. , Edith, G. , Faustin, D. , Adriano, D. , Mahudro, Y. , Tolebasoumanou, S. , Frédéric, H. and Paul, T. (2023) Impact of Four Fiber Sources and the Strategy of Feeding on the Nutritional Quality of Rabbit Meat (Oryctogalagus cuniculis). Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 13, 1233-1245. doi: 10.4236/ojapps.2023.138097.