Alternatives to robenidine to control gastrointestinal disorders of weaner rabbits in the field

Clarissa A Jung,Paul P Torgerson,Roger Bolt,Felix Grimm,Julia Schädler,Sarah Albini,Annette Liesegang

doi:10.1016/j.vas.2021.100179

Abstract

Gastrointestinal disorders due to Eimeria sp. and E. coli overgrowth cause high mortality in weaner rabbits and the interest in alternatives to coccidiostats is high. This study aimed to investigate the superiority of natural feed additives towards robenidine preserving gastrointestinal health in the field. Rabbits were divided into four groups, Control Group (CG) exclusively supplemented with robenidine, Sainfoin Group (SG) was supplemented with a combination of robenidine and sainfoin, and two additional groups were respectively supplemented with Herb-All COCC-X (garlic; conessi tree) (HG: Herbal Group) and by a combination of Herb-All COCC-X and Klinofeed (clinoptilolite) (MG: Mineral Group). Eimeria sp. (98,40%) and E. coli overgrowth (73.60%) could be confirmed as the main causes for losses. High mortality rates (SG: 30.00% - MG: 47.50%), also in the groups receiving robenidine (SG: 30.00%; CG: 45.00%), reinforced the importance of alternatives in the field. The natural additives of groups SG, HG and MG did not have a significant influence on the weight gains and the oocyst counts in the jejunum/ileum and caecum of slaughter rabbits at the end of the trial, compared to group CG. Significantly higher oocyst shedding in SG (p = 1.4E-03) and HG (p = 1.4E-05) during the trial may be explained by a higher surviving rate of diseased rabbits in those groups, fostered by beneficial effects of the additives, which should be investigated further.

Highlights

This study aimed to investigate the superiority of natural feed additives towards robenidine preserving gastrointestinal health in the field
Due to coccidiosis the intestinal pH is increased, which allows the proliferation of E. coli, drawing some attention on the parasite for the control of digestive disturbances in rabbit weaners (Barthold et al, 2016)
High mortality rates were observed in all groups during the trial, being markedly lower in Sainfoin Group (SG) and Herbal Group (HG), than in Control Group (CG) and MG

Summary

Introduction

The main reasons for juvenile mortality in rabbits after weaning are digestive disorders accompanied by abdominal distension and diarrhea. Due to coccidiosis the intestinal pH is increased, which allows the proliferation of E. coli, drawing some attention on the parasite for the control of digestive disturbances in rabbit weaners (Barthold et al, 2016). Weaning is a critical period for the sensitive young rabbits and the basis for the prevention of diseases is hygienic and proper housing (Rashwan and Marai, 2000). Anticoccidials, which are commonly used prophylactically to prevent losses due to digestive disorders in rabbit meat production, face rising resistances and low acceptance in public (Pankandl et al, 2009). Alternative dietary measures for preventing intestinal diseases in fattening rabbits become attractive

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