Variability of caecal parameters in rabbits

N Motko,O Vozna

doi:10.32718/nvlvet-a9119

Abstract

Three groups of rabbits of different origin (29, 27 and 28 animals; 3 or 4–6 months of age) were slaughtered, their caecal contents analyzed and used for inoculation of in vitro cultures. Whereas the caecal pH, dry matter percentages and acetate molar proportions in caecal volatile fatty acids (VFA) were relatively stable, molar proportions of other VFA varied considerably. In in vitro incubations, caecal parameters varied somewhat less than in vivo. Methane production varied much more than total VFA production. No non-methanogenic rabbit, however, was found. The hydrogen recovery correlated Significantly with the methane production and, in two out of three groups of rabbits, also with the propionate molar percentage. The caecal pH was inversely related to VFA concentration.

Highlights

The caecum is the major site of fibre digestion in rabbits
Caecal fermentation converts organic substrates to volatile fatty acids (VFA), gases and compounds incorporated into bacterial cells
The caecal contents of rabbits slaughtered 2 h after the last feed intake had lower pH and higher VFA concentration and dry matter percentage than caecal contents of rabbits slaughtered after 14–16 h fasting

Summary

Introduction

The caecum is the major site of fibre digestion in rabbits. Caecal fermentation converts organic substrates to volatile fatty acids (VFA), gases and compounds incorporated into bacterial cells. The VFA are absorbed, providing an important source of energy for the host (Parker, 1976). The caecum is supposed to have an important role in the etiology of digestive disturbances. Various nutritional and ontogenic factors affecting the caecal fermentation have been reviewed by Gidenne (1996). There is no study on animalto-animal variation of caecal parameters in rabbits. Agedependent variation of caecal traits in rabbits has been reported by Piattoni et al (1995). The aim of this study was to assess variability of caecal parameters in three groups of rabbits of different origin

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Conclusion