Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a one-week feed restriction of different intensities on haematological and biochemical blood indices at the end of the feed restriction and during the realimentation period in growing rabbits. Hyplus rabbits weaned at 35 days of age (n = 195) were divided into three groups: rabbits fedad libitum(AL) and groups with reduced feed of 50 g (R50) or 65 g (R65) per rabbit per day from 42 to 49 days of age. At the end of the feed restriction and in the following period, haematological and biochemical blood indices were measured at weekly intervals. The live weight at 70 days of age was lower (P≤ 0.001) in restricted rabbits (–14.5% and –15.5% for group R50 and R65, respectively, compared to AL). Feed restriction significantly (P≤ 0.011) decreased the number of erythrocytes (–6.2% and –7.4% for group R50 and R65, respectively, compared to AL) and haemoglobin content (P≤ 0.008). The mean corpuscular volume increased (P≤ 0.033) in restricted rabbits. Interaction of the feeding regime and age (P≤ 0.007) was observed in cholesterol with the highest concentration in R50 at 56 days (4.41 mmol/l) and the lowest in R65 at 70 days and in AL at 63 days of age (1.30 mmol/l). The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (P≤ 0.003) and triacylglycerides (P≤ 0.048) were significantly lower in restricted rabbits. It could be concluded that feed restriction influenced mainly erythrocytes and haemoglobin. The changes in biochemical blood characteristics suggest the restriction did not affect protein metabolism, however, results indicate lipid depletion in restricted rabbits.
Highlights
Limited feed intake is applied in growing rabbits as a prevention of digestive disorders around the post-weaning age (Di Meo et al 2007)
Tůmová et al (2007) stated that most haematology indices in rabbits were not affected by feed restriction, only the lymphocyte counts were increased and neutrophil counts were reduced in the restricted group
The results show that immediately after feed restriction, both restricted groups had lower live weights than ad libitum (AL) rabbits which was not fully compensated because groups reduced feed of 50 g (R50) and R65 reached 85.5% and 84.5%, respectively, of the final live weight of AL rabbits
Summary
Limited feed intake is applied in growing rabbits as a prevention of digestive disorders around the post-weaning age (Di Meo et al 2007). Tůmová et al (2007) stated that most haematology indices in rabbits were not affected by feed restriction, only the lymphocyte counts were increased and neutrophil counts were reduced in the restricted group. After the end of the feed restriction, when animals are fed ad libitum again, various degrees of compensatory growth can be exhibited in rabbits. These changes in growth during feed restriction and the following realimentation period can be manifested in the proteolytic enzyme function and metabolic processes in the organism represented in changes of biochemical blood indices. Rommers et al (2004) observed a lower glucose concentration during the period of feed restriction in rabbit does. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a one-week feed restriction with different intensities on haematological and biochemical indices at the end of the feed restriction and during the realimentation period
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