Assessing the Nutritional Value and Suitability of Processed Rubber ( <i>Hevea Brasiliensis</i> ) Seed Meal for Rabbit Feed: A Focus on Anti-nutrient Degradation and Processing Methods

This study investigated the impact of processing methods on the nutritional value of rubber seeds. Two pretreatment techniques were explored to reduce anti-nutrients in the raw seeds: oven-drying the rubber seed meal for 30 to 180 minutes and soaking in an aqueous medium. The processed seeds were then collected and chemically analyzed, with samples taken from each treatment group. The proximate analysis of soaked rubber seed meal (SRSM) revealed the following composition: 2.80% moisture, 4.67% total ash, 18.70% crude protein, 8.34% crude fiber, 31.26% ether extract, and 34.23% carbohydrates. In contrast, oven-dried rubber seed meal (ODRSM) at 300°C for 30 minutes exhibited the highest values for moisture (3.92%), total ash (4.08%), crude protein (25.00%), crude fiber (8.16%), and ether extract (32.68%). Among the amino acids, glutamic acid, arginine, and cystine were the most abundant. Interestingly, oven-drying at 180 minutes proved most effective at removing anti-nutrients, with significant reductions in cyanide (6.53mg/g), tannins (0.051mg/g), saponins (0.1mg/g), and phenols (0.210mg/g) compared to soaking treatment. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend using rubber seeds heated to 300°C for 180 minutes as animal feed. This method results in low ash content, good protein levels, and a rich profile of macro and micronutrients. Overall, oven-drying appears to be a superior method for improving the nutritional value of rubber seed meal.