Experimental Application of Sage in Rabbit Husbandry

R Szabóová,Š Faix,M Chrenková,J Rafay,I Plachá,M Simonová,M Haviarová,V Strompfová,A Lauková,Ľ Chrastinová,Z Vasilková

doi:10.2754/avb200877040581

Abstract

Salvia spp. belongs to the Labiatae family and is characterized by antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to test its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect against bacteria as well as to find an alternative possibility to use sage in the rabbit ecosystem examining biochemical, zootechnical and inmunological indicators, compared to the commercial feed mixture Xtract. Using the sage extract in in vitro tests, its inhibitory effect was noted. Under in vivo conditions, in the experimental group with sage (EG1), reduction of Pseudomonas-like sp. (p < 0.01) and E. coli (p < 0.01) was noted after 7 days of sage application compared to the control group CG2 (with Robenidin) as well as after 21 days of sage extract application, when the reduction of coagulase-negative staphylococci (p < 0.01) was detected (in comparison with the experimental group-EG2, Xtract group). In the caecum of rabbits from EG1, higher values of lactic, acetic and butyric acids were noted. The values of propionic acid were not influenced. Biochemical indicators were not influenced; however, the values of GSH Px were lower in EG1 compared to EG2. Higher phagocytic activity (18%) was noted in EG1 than in EG2 (13%) after 21 days of additives application. The reduction of Eimeria sp. oocysts was demonstrated in EG1 (sage group) after 7 days of sage application comparing to CG2 (217 OPG to 566 OPG). The animals in both experimental groups achieved higher feed consumption and weight gain, lower mortality compared to both controls. Neither of the additives had a negative influence on the health status and growth performance of rabbits.

Highlights

The development of intensive rabbit husbandry is concerned with biological properties of rabbits such as fertility, fast growth and wholesome rabbit meat
That the use of antibiotics as feed additives was banned by the European Union (EU) by 1. 1. 2006
Salvia officinalis L. is a common aromatic and medicinal plant native to Mediterranean countries; there it is in widespread use (Lima et al 2005)

Summary

Introduction

The development of intensive rabbit husbandry is concerned with biological properties of rabbits such as fertility, fast growth and wholesome rabbit meat. Enteric diseases frequently occur in rabbits around the weaning period leading to an extensive use of antibiotics. It is generally known, that the use of antibiotics as feed additives was banned by the European Union (EU) by 1. Salvia officinalis L. is a common aromatic and medicinal plant native to Mediterranean countries; there it is in widespread use (Lima et al 2005). The ethanolic tinctures and decoctions of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) have long been known for their effects in various inflammations of oral cavity, digestive and intestinal tracts, in gastritis and tonsilitis (Capek et al 2003). Rabbit ecosystem represents a new possibility of studying the effects of Salvia officinalis and comparing it with commercial feed mixture Xtract (involving carvacrol, capsaicine, cinnamaldehyde)

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Conclusion