Use of stylosanthes guianensis in pelleted feed for sub-adult rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus) raised under smallholder farming conditions in côte d'ivoire: effects on digestive health, growth performance, and reproductive performance

Background: Feed availability and cost represent major constraints for rabbit farming in Côte d'Ivoire. Stylosanthes guianensis , a tropical forage legume, constitutes a potential substitute for imported alfalfa in the formulation of pelleted rabbit feeds. However, its effects on the zootechnical and health performance of breeding rabbits remain poorly documented. Objective: To evaluate the growth performance, reproductive performance, and health status of Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbits fed a pelleted diet incorporating a fibrous core based on Stylosanthes guianensis , compared with a commercial alfalfa-based feed. Methods: Three hundred breeding rabbits aged 90 days (240 females, 60 males) were allocated to two groups: a control group (C) fed the commercial diet, and an experimental group (Sg) receiving the S. guianensis-based diet. Sixty females participated in the growth trial (90–174 days) and 180 in the reproduction trial (90–239 days). Zootechnical and health parameters were measured and compared using appropriate statistical tests (threshold P < 0.05). Results: Both groups exhibited similar growth performance: mean body weight 3,500 g, average daily gain (ADG) 20 g/day, feed conversion ratio (FCR) 5.8. Reproductive parameters were likewise comparable: receptivity rate 84%, kindling rate 72.5%, fertility 66%, with 5.7 total kits born, 4.8 born alive, and 4.7 weaned. Conversely, mortality and health risk were significantly higher in the C group (+4% and +6%, respectively; P < 0.05), and stillbirth rate was lower in the Sg group. Conclusions: Stylosanthes guianensis can effectively substitute alfalfa in the diet of breeding rabbits without impairing their zootechnical performance, while providing a notable health advantage. This legume constitutes a promising local resource for reducing rabbit production costs in Côte d'Ivoire.