Tendonkeng et al., 2025. Rev. Elev. Med. Vet. Pays Trop., 78: 1-7

Background: In rabbit production, the rising cost of conventional feed ingredients such as wheat bran, coupled with increasing competition for these resources, has intensified research efforts into alternative feed sources aimed at reducing production costs while sustaining optimal growth performance in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Aim: The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of replacing wheat bran with Pennisetum purpureum leaves on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Methods: Forty-five rabbits from local breeds (K. EMMA Farm in Ngousso-Ebama, Yaoundé, Cameroon) were used in the trial. They had an average weight of 1493 g and were 80 days old. The rabbits were assigned to five treatments and fed for 8 weeks with iso protein diets with similar energy content, in which wheat bran was replaced by Pennisetum purpureum leaves at rates of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, respectively (R0, R25, R50, R75, and R100). The energy deficit caused by this replacement was corrected by adding extra fat (palm oil) to the rations. The amounts of feed served and leftover were weighed daily. The animals were weighed weekly, fasted for 24 hours, and then slaughtered to evaluate the weight of their carcass and digestive organs. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated using growth and feed costs. Results: There was no difference (p>0.05) in growth between the R25, R50, and R75 groups. The feed conversion ratio increased by 13.3% for the R100 group and decreased by 11.4% for rabbits fed the R50 ration, compared to the control group (6.2±0.8). No difference (p>0.05) was observed in growth rate or carcass yield. Intestinal density decreased (p<0.05) with the R100 ration (0.2 g/cm), while the relative weight of the cecum was higher (4.0%) in the R50 group. The FCR was lower for the R50 group. Conclusions: Subject to confirmation with a larger sample, these preliminary results suggest that incorporating Pennisetum purpureum into the diet of growing rabbits at a rate of 50% could improve productivity.