Protein Digestibilty and Nitrogen Retention of Weaning Local Male Rabbits on Substitution of Soybean Meal with Bauhinia purpurea L

Abstract

Bauhinia purpurea L. is a potential legume for rabbit fodder, due to its high protein content. This study investigated the substitution effect of soybean meal with Bauhinia purpurea L.as protein source on dry matter, protein digestibility and nitrogen retention of weaning local male rabbits. Completely randomized design was used in this study. A total of 20 weaning rabbits were randomly divided into five treatments diets (0, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of Bauhinia purpurea L.) with 4 rabbits each treatment. Animals were given feed and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. Samples for analysis were collected every last three days of the week. The results showed that the treatments diets didn’t significantly influence dry matter digestibility, protein digestibility and nitrogen retention of weaning local male rabbits. Bauhinia purpurea L. can be used as protein source until 40% in the rabbit ration.