Growth performance and blood profile of weaned rabbits fed graded levels of Hevea brasiliensis seed meal as a protein source

A ten-week investigation was undertaken to assess the incorporation of Hevea brasilliensis seed meal (RSM) as an alternative to soyabean meal (SBM) in rabbits' feed. Sixty kit rabbits were distributed at random to four treatments diets and five rabbits / replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The diets consist of a control diet (0% RSM) as well as three experimental diets, containing 25%, 50% and 75% RSM. Results showed that RSM affected (P < 0.05) the rabbits' blood profile and performance. The weight gain was similar (P > 0.05) up to 50% SBM replacement, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) were similar (P > 0.05) across the replacement levels. The highest weight gain and best FCR were observed in diets containing 50% and 25% RSM respectively. The highest values of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), were noted in Diet 4 (75% RSM). The total protein increased with an increased level of RSM in the diet, while as RSM in the diet increased, the liver enzymes dropped. In conclusion, RSM could effectively replace 50% SBM as protein ingredient in growing rabbits' diets.