This study aimed to evaluate effects of levels of Spophocarpus scandén (SS) replacing Para grass (Brachiaria
mutica) in the diets on feed and nutrient utilization, growth performance of crossbred rabbits. The experiment
was a complete randomized design with five treatments and three replicates. Four female rabbits (balance in sex)
at 60 days of age were allocated in one experimental unit and the treatments were levels of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80%
(DM basis) of Spophocarpus scandén replacing Para grass in the diets.
The results showed that DM intake was significantly different (Prabbits significantly (Pgain of the rabbits were higher in the diets with SS replacement, however only the daily weight gain of the SS40
treatment was significantly higher than the SS0 one. The nutrient digestibility of dry matter and crude protein
and nitrogen retention of rabbits were also significantly (Preplacement. The conclusion was that using of Spophocarpus scandén to replace Para grass improved nutrient
utilization, nitrogen retention and daily weight gain.

Keywords: digestion, local feeds utilization, growth, natural grass and legume.