EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTING RABBIT DIETS WITH MORINGA OLEIFERA DRY LEAVES AT DIFFERENT LEVELS ON THEIR PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

Forty growing male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits at 7 weeks of age with average live body weight of 772±8 g were chosen and used in a complete randomized design of four treatments (10 in each) for 12 weeks feeding period. Rabbits in the 1^st group were fed Commercial Rabbit Diet (CRD) without supplement (control, T1). While, in the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th groups, diets contained 5.48, 10.97 and 16.45% Moringa oleifera Dry Leaves (MDL) to cover 10, 20 and 30% from protein content of CRD for T2, T3 and T4; respectively.  Results showed higher CP and EE contents, but NFE content was lower in MDL in compared with CRD. The contents of DM, OM, CF and ash were similar among treatments. The digestibility coefficients of OM, CP, EE and NFE and feeding values as TDN, DCP and DE increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of MDL. Dry matter content of the cecal digesta was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T4 (30% MDL) than T1 (control), however, cecal pH value revealed inverse trend. The concentrations of TVFA’s and NH₃-N in cecal digesta increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of MDL in diets. The concentrations of total protein, albumin and globulin increased significantly (P<0.05), however cholesterol concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of MDL. The intake of total DM and CP decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of MDL. Average daily intake of TDN, DCP and DE were significantly highest (P<0.05) in T1 and T2. Final body weight, total and daily weight gain and growth performance index (GPI) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of MDL. The amounts of DM, TDN, CP, DCP and DE required for producing one kg weight gain decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of MDL. Total feed cost and price of total weight gain increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing MDL. Feed cost per kg gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T4 compared to T1. Slaughter and carcass weights and dressing percentage increased significantly (P<0.05), but abdominal fat weight and the content of ether extract decreased significantly (P<0.05)with increasing the level of MDL supplementation compared with control. Results revealed that, it can be use moringa dry leaves with rate of 16>45% as a source of protein in growing rabbit diet. This level tended to increase digestibility coefficients, feeding values, improved feed and economical efficiencies. Moreover, dressing percentage and edible meat increased.