Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of processed rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed meal (RSM) on the chemical composition of feed, feed intake and nutrients digestibility in rabbits. For the purpose, 30 female (local breed) rabbits with an average weight of 2.7 ± 0.12 kg were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments (6 rabbits in 1 treatment). The feeding trial lasted for four weeks and the various rations were: negative control ration, not containing rubber seeds (R0-) and 4 different rations each containing 20 of the rubber seed meal (raw, toasted, soaked, and boiled respectively for R0+, R1, R2, and R3 rations). The rubber seed meal, faeces and feed sample were sun dried to constant weight, urine was also collected and a sample was used for chemical analysis. The results showed that the boiled seeds RSM exhibited the highest crude protein content (20.61 DM) and the low concentration of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) (21.83 mg/kg HCn; 30.53; 21.26 and 3.67 respectively for hydrogen cyanide (HCn), phenols, flavonoids and tannins) compared to seeds from other treatments. Animals receiving the ration with boiled rubber seed meal (BRSM) at 100°C for 45 minutes (R3) showed better feed intake and best rate of digestive utilization coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and crude fibres 32.24; 38.55; 61.03 and 80.58 respectively. The ration containing the boiled rubber seeds for 45 min resulted in better nutrient intake and the best digestive utilization coefficients in rabbits. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.