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INTRODUCTION

Importance of the study

Rabbits are ground dwellers who can survive in different settings, including

deserts, tropical forests, and wetlands (Smith, 2024). Rabbits can be produced for a

variety of business sectors, including breeding stock, medicinal and educational lab

animals, pet food, pet and show animals, and wool and skin. According to Kilani (2023),

the agricultural practice for rabbit farming is called cuniculture. It is a developing sector

that has great potential for improving sustainable growth. Rabbit meat is a great option as

it is low in fat and cholesterol and a sustainable substitute for other meats. Petracci et al.

(2018) stated that eating rabbit meat dates back to the prosperous ancient civilizations

residing in the Mediterranean region. Rabbits’ tiny size made it historically been put

directly into traditional meals and there hasn't been much of a need to create preservation

techniques. As herbivores, rabbits require a diet rich in fiber to help maintain their

intestines healthy, wear down their constantly growing teeth, and keep them from

becoming tired. The market for Philippine rabbit products is slowly expanding as people

are increasingly aware of the environmental risks and health advantages of eating raw

rabbit. Several breeding programs in the Philippines are now striving to produce new

rabbit breeds that are resistant to diseases and pests. Rabbit farming is a relatively new

sector in the Philippines, thus there is still a lot of space for development (Jagdish, 2023).

Musa acuminata, commonly known as banana leaf, is a good source of fiber.

Although bananas are a fruit crop, growing them also produces a lot of forage material

that may be fed to livestock and domesticated animals. Banana leaves are broad blades

that are 1-4 m long and 0.7-1 m wide, with a prominent supporting midrib. They develop
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continuously from the stem's core. Banana tops are another term for petioles and banana

leaves. (Feedipedia, 2022-b). Banana leaves contain phytonutrients with a moisture

content of about 60% (Barode, 2023). According to Wadhwa et al. (2015), Rabbits may

be fed up to 40% banana leaves with no negative effects on growth, feed intake, or

digestibility.

The cultivated shrub mulberry is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical

regions. Research has shown that mulberry leaves are protein-rich and contain

phytonutrients (Cai et al., 2019). According to Animal Nutrition, as cited by Berkhout

(2021), mulberry trees may provide herbivores with protein, and some livestock and

domesticated animals may benefit from the mulberry leaf as a source of fermentable

energy and protein. Farmers who produce mulberry fodder provide animals with a better

protein content than those who depend on other types of Napier grass (Mwai et al., 2022).

As discussed by Khan et al. (2020), Morus alba can effectively replace 50% of the

concentrate in the rabbit diet, resulting in improved growth performance and carcass

yield with no detrimental impacts on meat quality.

According to Mph (2022), plant food includes thousands of chemically produced

substances. These are known as phytonutrients or phytochemicals. The term "phyto"

refers to the Greek term that means plant. These substances aid in the protection of plants

against bacteria, fungi, insects, and other pests. In contrast to vitamins and minerals

found in plant meals, phytonutrients are not required for survival. However, eating or

drinking phytonutrients may help prevent illness and keep the body functioning normally.

Therefore, this research aims to determine the significant result of the growth

performance of New Zealand rabbits fed with different ratios of the combination of
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mulberry and banana leaves. With the help of this study, rabbit farmers and producers can

replace common leafy greens like grass, which might occasionally run short, with easily

available leaves from banana and mulberry trees.

Objectives of the study

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Generally, the study aims to determine the rabbit's growth performance fed with

different ratios of banana and mulberry leaves.

Specifically, the study will aim to:

1. determine the growth performance of New Zealand rabbits (gain in

weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and dry matter intake);

and

2. evaluate the economic viability of different ratios of banana and mulberry

leaves in rabbit production through cost and return analysis.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

New zealand rabbit

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Rabbit farming is an increasing part of the Philippines' livestock industry, and it is

believed to be profitable when handled properly due to its potential as a nutritious meat

supply and a source of income (Lorio and Villareal, 2023). The New Zealand rabbit

(Oryctolagus cuniculus) is one of the most significant breeds within commercial and

experimental rabbits (Li et al., 2020).

Rabbits are said to have been introduced into the Philippines decades ago by the

US Peace Corps and some religious missionaries to address the problem of food

shortages caused by World War II (Medenilla, 2021). According to Veneracion (2017),

USDA lists rabbit meat as one of the healthiest meats available; it is low in fat, bad

cholesterol, and calories yet rich in protein. According to Mensa et al. (2014), rabbit is

regarded as a sustainable protein source during climate change, population growth, and

shifting meat consumption patterns in developing countries. As stated by Dandelion Hill

Homestead (2023), the New Zealand rabbit is known to be the king of rabbit meat. Male

adults weigh 9–11 pounds, while females weigh between 10 and 12 pounds more. The

kits grow quickly and are often calm and friendly, given appropriate care. The New

Zealand rabbits have excellent breeding stock attributes because they have been bred

since the early 1900s.

The following reasons explain why rabbit farming may be feasible in developing

countries. First, rabbits can be fed a grain-free diet. In a world of increasing expenses and

increased demand for grain, the capacity to raise a decent protein on garden fodder is an

advantage in low-income countries. Second, rabbits have a rapid growth rate, high

reproduction, high feed conversion efficiency, and reach maturity early (Mutsami and

Karl, 2020). With proper husbandry, rabbits may produce more than 40 kits each year, in
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contrast to one calf for cattle and up to two kids for goats (Dairo et al., 2012). Third,

unlike other larger ruminants, rabbits are considered odorless, noiseless, and can adapt to

different environments (Muriithi and Matz, 2015).

Nutrient content of banana leaf and its effect on rabbits

According to Okoli (2020), after harvesting and processing the banana fruit, the

leftover plant components, which consist of pseudo-stems, leaves, and fruit peels that

make up around 80% of the plant, can be turned into animal feed since they contain

nutrients. Using these wastes to produce resources or turn them into actual commodities

will minimize environmental damage and add value to banana cultivation (Fernandes et

al., 2013).

As discussed by Rohilla and Bujarbaruah (2000), rabbits are herbivores and can

consume a wide range of plants, from green leafy vegetables to fodder tree leaves.

Banana leaf is a good alternative as a source of fiber. Although bananas are a fruit crop,

growing them also produces a lot of forage material that may be fed to livestock and

domesticated animals. Banana leaves contain phytonutrients with a moisture content of

about 60% (Barode, 2023). According to Rohilla and Bujarbaruah (2000), rabbits may be

fed up to 40% banana leaves with no negative effects on growth, feed intake, or

digestibility.

Mulberry leaf’s nutrients and its effect on rabbits

Mulberry leaves can support suited feed intake, digestibility, and sufficient weight

gain in rabbits, and may minimize dependency on and expense of expensive concentrate

feeds (Bamikole et al., 2005). According to Thi et al. (2022), mulberry leaves are

considered a possible source of protein, with crude protein concentrations ranging from
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18 to 25%. The replacement of lucerne for mulberry in the diet may have resulted in a

longer retention period of digesta, as evidenced by a greater weight of digestive tract

contents observed at slaughter (proportionally 0.32 more) in the mulberry group

(Martinez et al., 2005). As discussed by Khan et al. (2020), Morus alba can effectively

replace 50% of the concentrate in the rabbit diet, resulting in improved growth

performance and carcass yield with no detrimental impacts on meat quality. According to

Rusli et al. (2023), mulberry is one of the legumes that are highly palatable and digested

by herbivorous and monogastric animals. In rabbit diets, mulberry leaves can be added up

to 40% (Samkol and Lukefahr 2008).

Phytonutrients in banana leaves and mulberry leaves

Plant extracts, or phytonutrients, are used in traditional medicine as supplements

to boost the immune system and acquire resistance to numerous infectious diseases, and

in livestock farming as health-promoting feed additives (Wadhwa et al., 2015).

Phytonutrients are substances found in plants that, when ingested in the diet, have a

positive impact on health and disease (Zhu et al., 2022). According to Mph (2022), plant

food includes thousands of chemically produced substances. These are known as

phytonutrients or phytochemicals. These substances aid in the protection of plants against

bacteria, fungi, insects, and other pests.

METHODOLOGY
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Experimental Site

This study will be conducted at Cubul Sapalibutad, Angeles City, Pampanga

where the researcher resides.

Experimental Materials

The materials that will be used in the study are the following: Thirty-six (36) New

Zealand rabbits, banana leaves, mulberry leaves, water nipple, plastic bottle, scissors,

knife, water, hay, commercial pellet feeds, powdered soap, galvanized mesh wire, wood,

nails, hammer, weighing scale, notebook, and ballpen.

Experimental Animal

Thirty-six (36), twelve-month old, New Zealand rabbits will be used in the study.

As an ideal meat-producing animal, in theory, rabbits are among the most interesting

production animals (Mancini and Paci, 2021).

Experimental Treatment and Design

Thirty-six (36) New Zealand rabbits will be distributed with the help of the

Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method. There will be three (3) treatments with

twelve (12) rabbits per treatment. Each treatment will be replicated three (3) times with

four (4) rabbits per replication.

T1 - 85% hay: 10% leafy greens: 5% pellets (control)

T2 - 60% hay: 20% banana leaves: 20% mulberry leaves

T3 - 10% pellets: 45% banana leaves: 45% mulberry leaves

Experimental Layout
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Figure 1. Experimental layout

Number of treatments = 3

Number of replications = 3

Number of rabbits/treatments = 12

Number of rabbits/replications = 4

Total number of rabbits = 36

Space requirements per rabbit = 1.1 sq. ft/rabbit

Experimental Ration
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Table 1. Nutrient content of experimental raw materials

Feed Material Crude Crude References

Protein Fiber

Banana Leaves 4.2 7.0 https://www.fao.org/4/t0554e/

T0554E17.htm#16note1

Mulberry leaves 11.4 3.4 https://www.dairyknowledge.in/dkp/article/

mulberry-leaves

Preparation of Fresh Banana Leaves

Fresh banana leaves of the lakatan variety will be used for this study. Following

the recommended ratio as stated by Rohilla and Bujarbaruah (2000), fresh banana leaves

with a ratio of 40% of the animal’s diet or 400 g will be given to the rabbits. The leaves

will be removed from the midrib with a knife and cut with scissors into 1-inch width

strips. The cut banana leaves will be rinsed with water thoroughly before feeding them to

the rabbits.

Preparation of Fresh Mulberry leaves

The fresh leaves of the white mulberry variety will be used for this study. The cut

leaves will be given to the rabbits following the recommended ratio according to Samkol

and Lukefahr (2008), which is 40% of the rabbits’ diet or 400 g of leaves. After

thoroughly washing with water, fresh mulberry leaves will be cut with scissors into half

without the stems.

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Data To Be Gathered
Average Initial Weight

The initial weighing of the animals will be done individually before starting the

study. This will be accomplished using a weighing scale.

Average Final Weight

The final weight will be taken individually by the end of the study.

Average Gain in Weight

The gain in weight will be computed by deducting the final weight from the initial

weight.

Gain in weight = final weight - initial weight

Feed Conversion Ratio

This will be determined by dividing the total feed intake of the rabbit by the gain

in weight. FCR can be calculated by following the formula below.

Cost and Return Analysis

This will be done by adding up the production expenses that will be used from the

beginning to the end of the study. After the rabbit is sold, the gross and net income will

be computed.

Statistical Analysis

The collected data will be evaluated by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with

treatment differences compared using the Least Significant Differences (LSD).

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MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Preparation of the pens

The pens will be 1.1 ft wide and 1.1 ft high and will be made up of galvanized

mesh wire and wood. The pens will be used from the beginning until the end of the study.

There will be nine (9) pens with four (4) rabbits each.

Weighing and Distribution of Animals

The weights of the rabbits will be recorded as the initial weight on the first day

before the rabbits are assigned to the respective treatments. The final weight will be taken

by the end of the study.

Health Program

After their initial vaccination at 10–12 weeks of age, the experimental animals

will receive a booster shot every year. The vaccinations against rabbit calicivirus strain

RHDV2 (Filavac) and strain RVHDVI (Cylap) will be administered to New Zealand

rabbits. However, there is no protection against the RHDV2 strain provided by the Clyap

vaccine. The more protection, the better, as both types of this virus are harmful.

Feeding Management

All experiments will be fed ad libitum following the composition of each

treatment. Treatment 1 will serve as the control with 85% hay: 10% leafy greens: and 5%

pellets. Treatment 2 consists of 60% hay: 20% banana leaves: 20% mulberry leaves and

treatment 3 with 10% pellets: 45% banana leaves: and 45% mulberry leaves respectively.

Provision of Drinking

Purified water will be used for the study. Drinking water for rabbits will be

provided in a plastic bottle including a water nipple for each rabbit generously.
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Waste Disposal

There will be sacks placed underneath the pens for convenient feces disposal.

These sacks will be cleaned after every waste disposal to maintain cleanliness and to

ensure the rabbits’ well-being.

Cleanliness and Sanitation

Cleaning will be done to the raw materials, such as the leaves from mulberries

and bananas by using clean water, as well as the experimental items, including pens,

waterers, scissors, and knives that will be used for cutting the leaves which will be

cleaned with water and soap. To maintain sanitation, the manure will be removed daily

from the pens to avoid foul odors and flies that can infect the animals with diseases.

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