Research Article
Effect of Substitution of Soybean Meal by Treated Mucuna Pruriens Seeds Powder on Some Reproductive Performance in the Female Rabbit (Orytolagus cuniculus)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-11
Received:
7 October 2025
Accepted:
19 November 2025
Published:
5 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.avs.20261401.11
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Abstract: The increase in the prices of conventional ingredients leads to the increases of the cost of production. In order to maintain good production while having an adequate profit margin, this study was conducted to explore the use of an unconventional source of protein, which is powder treated seeds of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruruiens) var Cochinchinensi. It was used as a replacement of soybean meal on production performances in rabbits. For this purpose, thirty-two primiparous rabbits aged 4 months with an average weight of between 2-2.5 kg were divided into 4 groups (8 animals each) corresponding to 4 treatments following a completely randomized design. Each group was subdivided into 8 subgroups of one rabbit corresponding to a group repetition and subjected to the treatment for 60 days. Animals in group 1 received a ration not containing M. pruriens seeds powder. Those in group 2; 3 and 4 received a ration substituted for soybean meal respectively in the order of 25; 50 and 100% of soaked and boiled M. pruriens seeds powder. Growth characteristics, weight of the organs and some reproductive performances were evaluated. Result didn’t show any significant effect (p>0.05) on growth characteristics using soaked and boiled M. pruriens seeds powder; the weight of organ and reproductive parameters except prolificacy rate, stillbirth rate and weight at birth of pups. Serum levels of total protein, ASAT and FSH were not significantly affected (p>0.05) by the rate of incorporation of M. pruriens treated seeds powder regardless of the treatment considered. The incorporation of M. pruriens seeds powder in the diet increased the level of serum ALAT. However, a significant difference (p<0.05) was observed only in animals of group 3 compared to the others. The Estradiol level also increased with the level of substitution of M. pruriens seeds powder with a significant difference (p<0.05) between animals of batch fed the diet (R2) compared to those fed with the negative control diet (R1) and (R4). An inversed observation was made with the serum level of Urea, creatinine and LH with a significance difference (p<0.05) only between the group receiving the ration (R2) compared to the negative control ration (R1). We can recommend the incorporation of soaked and boiled M. pruriens var Cochinchinensi seeds in the ration of female rabbits at 100%.
Abstract: The increase in the prices of conventional ingredients leads to the increases of the cost of production. In order to maintain good production while having an adequate profit margin, this study was conducted to explore the use of an unconventional source of protein, which is powder treated seeds of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruruiens) var Cochinchinensi. ...
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,
Narcisse Bertin Vemo
