The effects of bee pollen on performance and economic efficiency of New Zealand White rabbits reared under high stocking density

Abstract

This study aimed to Test the hypothesis supplementation with bee pollen (BP), as a beneficial feed additive, could alleviate the detrimental effects of overcrowding on the productive and economic efficiency in growing rabbits. A total of eighty 30 day-old male NZW rabbits (561.7±8.3 g) were randomly allocated into to four groups (each of which replicated four times), of two stocking density 8 and 24 /m2. This corresponds to 2, 6 rabbits per cage. Groups were arranged as follow: control G1 (LSD; 2 rabbits/cage and no supplementation), G2(HSD; 6 rabbits/cage and no supplementation),G3(HSD-BP250; 6 rabbits/cage and 250mg/kg(BW) BP given orally), G4(HSD- BP500; 6 rabbits/cage and 500mg/kg( BW) BP given orally). Rabbits in HSD-BP500 group had significantly higher BW, BWG, lower FI and better FCR and FE than HSD-BP250and HSD groups. Rabbits in HSD-BP500 had significantly higher dressing out % and carcass weight than HSD- BP250and HSD groups. Significant increase in values of RBCs counts, Hb, PCV, WBCs, lymphocyte, heterophils % and decreased H/L ratio were detected in HSD-BP500 group compared to HSD and HSD-BP250 groups.. while, values of MCV and MCH were not significantly (P > 0.01) different among groups. The highest values of total protein, globulin and the lowest serum urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST were observed in HSD-BP500 group. The highest values of total and net revenue and the best economical efficacy were obtained in HSD-BP500 group. Conclusively, from the obtained results It can be concluded that the supplementation of bee pollen at dose of 500mg/kg BW improved the performance parameters of NZW rabbits and increased farm profitability.