Unconventional plant sources as alternative feedstuffs in broiler rabbit nutrition: a scoping review

Rabbit meat production offers a sustainable solution to meet the rising demand for protein, particularly in regions abundant in plant biomass. This review explores the potential of forages (legumes and non-legumes), medicinal, herbal, and aquatic plants as alternative rabbit feed sources. These alternatives boost protein, fiber, and bioactive compound content, enhancing productive performance, gut health, immunity, and meat characteristics. Challenges such as nutritional variations due to geographic location, seasonal changes, and processing methods, alongside nutrient-hostile factors and high fiber content, must be addressed. Nonetheless, these plants can be integrated into rabbit diets at levels of up to 10% without compromising animal health, performance, or digestibility. The study emphasizes the feasibility of incorporating alternative forages into rabbit feed, improving resource efficiency and sustainability in rabbit meat production. Notably, research indicates comparable growth performance between rabbits fed unconventional plants and those on conventional diets. Aquatic plants and aromatic herbs emerge as promising alternatives, enhancing growth, nutrient utilization, and carcass characteristics in rabbits. Despite challenges, careful dietary formulation can mitigate risks associated with certain unconventional feedstuffs. This review provides insights into formulating balanced, sustainable rabbit diets, highlighting the need for further research to optimize inclusion levels and mitigate anti-nutritive substances. Exploring unconventional plants as viable alternatives holds promise for enhancing both animal welfare and economic efficiency in the rabbit farming industry.