Mulberry leaves (Morus alba) as a potential alternative forage for rabbits: a review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25047/animpro.2025.881Keywords:
Alternatif feed, forage, livestock nutrition, mulberry leaves, rabbit feedAbstract
The success of rabbit farming largely depends on the availability of economical and highly nutritious forage. White mulberry leaves (Morus alba) are a promising option, as they contain over 20% crude protein, more than 80% digestibility, and a balanced profile of amino acids. These leaves are also rich in minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, immunostimulant, and antibacterial properties that support rabbit health and performance. Research shows that including mulberry leaves at up to 50% of the diet can improve feed efficiency, growth, and immune response without compromising meat quality. However, for meat with better flavour and a juicier texture, a lower inclusion rate below 10% is preferable. Age-related differences are important; feeding young rabbits diets containing 20% or more mulberry leaves may slow growth. Despite their benefits, mulberry leaves also contain antinutritional factors such as tannins, phytic acid, crude fibre, and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which may reduce digestibility and nutrient absorption. To minimise these limitations, appropriate inclusion rates should be used, and processing methods such as wilting, drying, fermentation, or producing leaf meal can be employed to lower antinutritional levels. In conclusion, mulberry leaves are a safe and valuable forage for rabbits with recommended dosage 20% until 50% DMI.
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