Evaluation of Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc. as a forage for reproductive rabbits does in a tropical environment

Danh, MO and Nguyen Thi Vinh, CHAU (2025) Evaluation of Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc. as a forage for reproductive rabbits does in a tropical environment. Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. pp. 320-327. ISSN 2228-7701

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Abstract

In this study, Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc. was evaluated as forage for reproductive rabbit does in a tropical environment. Eighteen crossbred does (New Zealand White × Local) were fed six dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Six diets were designated as W0, W25, W40, W50, W60, and Wa, corresponding to W. trilobata levels of 0, 25, 40, 50, and 60% of concentrate intake (dry matter, DM, basis), ad libitum. The trial lasted nine months, covering three reproductive cycles. Feed and nutrient intake, reproductive performance, and milk yield were measured. W. trilobata contained 9.25% crude protein (CP), similar to Brachiaria mutica, but had higher metabolizable energy (ME: 10.3 MJ/kg DM) and lower fiber (CF: 18.9%, NDF: 40.4%, and ADF: 27.9%). Nutrient intake peaked at moderate inclusion (W40-W60), with DM intake of 124-132 g/day compared with 113 g in the W0 and 103 g in the Wa (P < 0.05). The W50 group had the highest CP intake (23.7 g/day), while the greatest ME intake was 1.52 MJ/day. Rabbit does in the moderate groups were heavier before kindling (2957-2958 g) than the control (2736 g) and produced more milk (86.9-88.2 g/day) than the W25 group (74.7 g/day) (P < 0.05). Litter size and weights did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among treatments. In conclusion, including W. trilobata at 40-60% of concentrate intake improved doe condition and milk yield without affecting litter size or weight. Its abundance makes it practical forage for smallholder rabbit production in tropical climates.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Alternative forage, Rabbit does, Reproductive performance, Sustainable livestock breeding, Tropical climate, Wedelia trilobata.
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research (OJAFR)
Page Range:	pp. 320-327
Journal or Publication Title:	Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	15
Number:	6
Publisher:	Scienceline Publications, Ltd
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.36
ISSN:	2228-7701
Depositing User:	Dr. Saeid Chekani-Azar
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1813

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