Effects of incorporation levels of Pueraria phaseoloides leaf flour on carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat from local rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in South-East Gabon

The objective of this study was to contribute in improving knowledge on rabbit feeding in Gabon. This work was conducted with the aim of studying carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat from rabbit induced by feeds containing P. phaseoloides. To that effect, 20 young female rabbits from local breed, weighing averagely 611 ± 33.20 g and aged about 6 weeks were randomly distributed in 4 groups of 5 animals each. The groups R0, R15, R20 and R25 were fed rations containing respectively 0%, 15%, 20% and 25% of P. phaseoloides. At the end of the trial, animals were slaughtered then eviscerated in order to evaluate carcass characteristics. Muscles were taken, ground and mixed for chemical analysis. No matter the ration, carcass characteristics showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Highest protein contents in meat were recorded in animals from R15 (23.90% DM) and R20 (22.46% DM). The lowest fat content (5.41% DM) was that of animals from R25, followed by that from R20 (6.67% DM). Based on these results obtained, the ration containing 20% Pueraria phaseolides (R20) could be recommended