This study aimed to evaluate the zootechnical effects of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf powder or Carica papaya leaf powder into the diet of rabbits during the fattening period. The experiment was conducted on 28 weaned rabbits aged 45 days, randomly divided into 7 groups of 4 individuals each. For 56 days, the animals received rations containing different proportions of Moringa oleifera or Carica papaya leaf powder: 0% for the control ration, and 5%, 10%, and 15%. Results revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in average daily gain for rabbits fed rations including 15% Moringa oleifera leaves and 15% Carica papaya leaves, with respective values of 13.41 ± 3.7 g/day and 8.30 ± 2.45 g/day. These results contrasted with other groups: control ration (3.85 ± 3.85 g/day), 5% Moringa oleifera (4.815 ± 0.9 g/day), 5% Carica papaya (6.92 ± 1.45 g/day), 10% Moringa oleifera (8.07 ± 1.14 g/day), and 10% Carica papaya (7.13 ± 1.42 g/day). Additionally, the 15% Moringa oleifera and Carica papaya leaf rations showed the lowest feed conversion ratios (5.06 ± 1.12 and 4.06 ± 1.2 respectively), indicating enhanced feed efficiency.
Incorporation of up to 15% Moringa oleifera and Carica papaya leaf powder in rabbit diets produced no adverse effects and improved growth performance as well as feed efficiency. These results suggest that these plants may be used as alternative dietary supplements to enhance rabbit production in Burkina Faso.