##plugins.themes.huaf_theme.article.main##
Abstract
The study was conducted to determine feed intake and digestibility of kudzu leaf (Pueraria thomsoni Benth.) and coral leaf (Erythrina variegate L) in crossbred rabbits (New Zealand x Local). Sixteen hybrid male rabbits were randomly assigned into 2 treatments with 8 replicates. In each treatment, rabbits were fed 100% of fresh kudzu leaves or 100% of fresh coral leaves, respectively. The obtained results showed that feed intake of rabbits in these treatment with kudzu leaves or coral leaves during the experimental period were similar (p>0.05). The dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibilities by rabbits were higher in the kudzu leaf treatment than in the coral leaf treatment (p < 0.05), except for neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The DM, OM, CP, CF, ADF and NDF digestibility of kudzu leaf and coral tree leaf in rabbits were 57.33-69.15%; 57.01-68.78%; 66.68-75.33%; 46.74-64.02%; 46.82-20.26%; and 56.63-63.45%, respectively. Kudzu leaves and coral tree leaves are valuable nutrients sources for rabbits.