Growth Of Rabbits Research Articles

Parameter Estimation of Host Genomic and Gut Microbiota Contribution to Growth and Feed Efficiency Traits in Meat Rabbits.

Rabbits can efficiently utilize plant fibers that are indigestible to humans, and hence may contribute to the alleviation of feed-food competition. Therefore, it is economically and ecologically important to genetically improve the growth performance and feed efficiency of meat rabbits. In this study, we combined pedigree, genomic, and gut microbiota data to estimate genetic and microbial parameters for nine growth and feed efficiency traits of 739 New Zealand White rabbits, including body weight (BW) at 35 (BW35), 70 (BW70), and 84 (BW84) days of age, and average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI) within two age intervals of 35-70 days (ADG70, FCR70, and RFI70) and 35-84 days (ADG84, FCR84, and RFI84). Based on single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction, three BW traits and two ADG traits had the high estimates (±standard error, SE) of heritability, ranging from 0.44 ± 0.13 of BW35 to 0.66 ± 0.08 of BW70. Moderate heritabilities were observed for RFI70 (0.22 ± 0.07) and RFI84 (0.29 ± 0.07), whereas the estimates did not significantly deviate from zero for the two FCR traits. There was moderate positive genetic correlation (±SE) between BW70 and ADG70 (0.579 ± 0.086), but BW70 did not correlate with RFI70. Based on microbial best linear unbiased prediction, the estimates of microbiability did not significantly deviate from zero for any trait. Based on the combined use of genomic and gut microbiota data, the parameters obtained in this study could help us to implement efficient breeding schemes in meat rabbits.

Effect of Using Prickly Pear Seed Cake (Opuntia ficus indica L.) on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Physiological and Histometric Parameters in Rabbits

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) could be used in rabbit nutrition in compliance with circular economy principles, global warming issues, and reduction of production costs. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of prickly pear seed cake (PPSC) on growth, physiological, and histometric parameters in rabbits. A total of 105 rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 35) and fed different diets: a commercial feed (C group), the same feed with alfalfa replaced by PPSC at 10% (10PP group), and at 20% (20PP group). They were group-housed in cages with 5 animals per cage from weaning until slaughtering. While body weights and weight gains were similar in all groups, the coefficients of nutrient digestibility of dry matter, fibers, and ashes, as well as the characteristics of intestinal villi, were improved in the 10PP group compared to the others (p < 0.05). The 20PP group showed a reduction in perirenal and interscapular fat (p < 0.05), as well as lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the C group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, PPSC can be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits up to 20% as a partial substitute for alfalfa without the impairment of growth performance. Additionally, the inclusion of PPSC enhanced nutrient digestibility and increased the intestinal absorption surface area.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF MONGREL RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY LEVELS OF GARLIC (ALLUM SATIVUM) MEAL

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of garlic meal supplementation on growth performance and semen characteristics in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four (24) mixed breed rabbit bucks were used for this study. The bucks were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks before the commencement of the study, during this period, they were fed formulated diet and Calopogonium ad-libitum. Feed and clean drinking water were offered ad libitum to the experimental animals. Four different experimental diets were formulated with varying levels of 0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50% garlic meal as supplement and were coded as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, with as control. The 24 bucks were weighed and randomly allotted into the four experimental treatments and replicated thrice with two rabbit bucks per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD) for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, semen collection was done using a specially designed artificial vagina for rabbits. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The result showed that garlic meal had significant effect (P<0.05) on final weight, total and daily feed intake. Garlic significantly influenced (p<0.05) sperm volume, motility, concentration and total cells per ejaculate however, did not affect sperm morphology. In conclusion, garlic meal supplementation at 1.0% (10g/kg) can improve some growth and seminal parameters in male rabbits.

Dietary inclusion of white lupine seeds and their byproducts in rabbits can contribute to EU agricultural sustainability: a review

This review explores the potential of white lupin seeds (Lupinus albus) as a sustainable protein source for rabbit nutrition and examines their effects on growth performance, carcass traits, health status, milk yield, milk composition and nutrient availability. The dietary inclusion of white lupin seeds leads to comparable or superior growth, milk yield, milk composition, nutrient digestibility and digestive health of rabbits, as well as meat quality and carcass outcomes relative to traditionally used protein sources for feeding rabbits, such as soybean meal and sunflower meal. Studies also show that it is possible to use white lupin byproducts, such as the hull and bran, for rabbit diets, which can be convenient in terms of providing an adequate supply of lignocellulose and enhancing the sustainability of rabbit feed, promoting circular economy principles. The cultivation of white lupin can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the use of synthetic fertiliser. Future research should focus on breeding improvements and comprehensive environmental assessments of white lupin seeds to maximise the benefits of white lupin for rabbit nutrition. These findings support the role of white lupin as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources, such as soybean meal, which could support productivity and sustainability in rabbit farming.

Therapeutic Potential of the Algerian Ground Nut (Bunium bulbocastanum) Dietary Supplement in the Treatment of Thyroid-induced Dysfunction and Associated Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: Both traditional usage and initial scientific findings suggest that Bunium bulbocastanum, commonly known as Talghouda tuber nut, may offer health benefits, particularly for thyroid dysfunction. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation in managing pharmacologically thyroid-induced dysfunction and its effects on growth performance and meat quality in rabbits. Methods: Thirty 45-day-old male Lionhead rabbits were divided into three groups, each with two subgroups. The Control groups received either a standard diet (C) or a diet supplemented with 35% dried Talghouda (Csup). The Hypothyroid group included rabbits induced with hypothyroidism using carbimazole at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW/day (HytCar) and those subsequently treated with dried Talghouda (HytTal). Similarly, hyperthyroid group comprised rabbits induced with hyperthyroidism using levothyroxine (HyrLevo) and those treated with dried Talghouda (HyrTal). Thyroid function was assessed by measuring serum levels of T3, T4 and TSH. Additionally, growth performance and meat quality parameters were evaluated. Result: Talghouda supplementation significantly influenced thyroid hormone levels in rabbits, elevating T3 and T4 in the hyperthyroid groups (HyrLevo and HyrTal) compared to controls, while suppressing TSH in hyperthyroid groups and elevating it in hypothyroid groups. Talghouda treatment improved growth performance, evidenced by increased weight gain and higher eviscerated carcass weights in the hyperthyroid-treated groups. Meat quality also improved, with favourable pH, dry matter percentage and mineral content observed in the Talghouda-treated hypothyroid group. These findings suggest that Bunium bulbocastanum is a viable natural intervention for managing thyroid dysfunction while maintaining or enhancing growth and meat quality in rabbits, offering promising pharmacological and economic benefits.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Phosphoglycerate Mutase 2 (PGAM2) genes with growth traits in rabbits

Genetic improvement of local rabbit breeds using modern approaches such as marker-assisted selection requires accurate and precise information about marker‒trait associations in animals with different genetic backgrounds. Therefore, this study was designed to estimate the association between two mutations located in the Neuropeptide Y (NPY, g.1778G > C) and Phosphoglycerate Mutase 2 (PGAM2, c.195 C > T) genes in New Zealand White (NZW), Baladi (BR), and V-line rabbits. The first mutation was genotyped using high-resolution melting, and the second mutation was genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method. The results revealed significant associations between the NPY mutation and body weight at 10 (V-line) and 12 weeks of age (NZW, BR, and V-line), body weight gain (BWG) from 10 to 12 weeks of age (BR), BWG from 6 to 12 weeks of age (NZW, BR, and V-line), average daily gain (NZW, BR, and V-line, and BR), growth rate (GR) from 8 to10 weeks (V-line), 10 to 12 weeks (BR), and GR from 6 to 12 weeks of age (BR, and V-line). The PGAM2 mutation was associated with body weight at 10 (V-line) and 12 (NZW, and V-line) weeks of age, with significant positive additive effects at 12 weeks of age in all breeds, and was associated with BWG from 8 to 10 and 10 to 12 in BR, and BWG from 6 to 12 weeks of age (NZW, and BR), and average daily gain (NZW, and BR), and was associated with GR form 8 to 10 weeks (BR), from10 to 12 weeks (BR, and V-line) and from 6 to 12 weeks (BR). The results highlighted the importance of the two mutations in growth development, and the possibility of considering them as candidate genes for late growth in rabbits.

39 Effects of feeding sun-dried bovine rumen contents on growth and carcass quality of New Zealand White rabbits

This research study aimed to investigate the impact of sun-dried bovine rumen contents (SDBRC) on the growth and linear body measurements of New Zealand White rabbits. The experimental rabbits (n=12) were selected from four New Zealand White bucks and subsequently allocated into three distinct treatments, each with specific dietary compositions. The control group was provided with a standard diet of rabbit pellets, while the experimental groups received rabbit pellets supplemented with 30% (Treatment A) and 40% (Treatment B) of SDBRC. All animals were subjected to consistent and meticulous livestock management practices throughout the 12-week experimental period. There were no significant differences in the growth of rabbits given rabbit pellets and 30% SDBRC. However, the live weight gain and final weights of rabbits on 40% SDBRC inclusion were significantly lower than the 30% SDBRC inclusion and the control (P<0.05). Parameters, such as total feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and dressing percentage were not significantly different (P>0.05). The linear body measurements (heart girth, body length, and abdominal circumference), were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by dietary variations. Carcass weight for the rabbits on 40% SDBRC inclusion was significantly lower than for rabbits on the control and 30% SBDRC inclusion diets (p=0.001). Other carcass parameters such as meat colour and pH exhibited no significant differences across all three treatments (p>0.05). These findings highlight the promising potential of incorporating SDBRC into rabbit diets, particularly up to 30%, without compromising growth performance and carcass characteristic.

Lentil (Lens culinaria) and its by-products inclusion in livestock nutrition: present insights and emerging trends in rabbit and poultry system

ABSTRACT The current agro-industrial system must develop a more efficient and sustainable food production model to achieve greater food security for the expanding global population, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the European Agenda 2030. A green and sustainable solution for the feed-food production dilemma may be the use of agricultural by-products (AB) in livestock feeding. The ABs are what remains of fruits and vegetables after industrial processing, containing a plethora of bioactive compounds. Currently, their direct utilization in livestock nutrition is growing, but more research is needed to deeply discover their potential in terms of health-promoting compounds. Lentils (Lens culinaria L.), belonging to the Fabaceae family and commonly categorized as pulses, have historically served as a staple food for humans. Post-harvest processing of lentils yields various by-products (e.g. straw, hulls, screenings) that possess high nutritive value and are rich in phytochemicals, making them suitable for incorporation into balanced diets for numerous livestock species, including poultry and rabbits. This review focuses on the available knowledge on lentil by-products (LB), their nutritive value and phytochemicals including the main dietary effects on growth and productive parameters of poultry and rabbits.

FORMULASI SEDIAAN HAIR TONIC EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN TEH HIJAU (Camellia sinensis L.) SEBAGAI PENUMBUH RAMBUT TERHADAP KELINCI JANTAN (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: hair loss is less or more hair than normal, with or without visible thinning. Green tea leaf minoxidil, whixh contains flavonoid compounds that may prevent hair loss, can be used to treat hair loss. Objective: this study aims to confirm whether green tea leaf ethanol extract can be used as a hair restorer that meets the requidments of physical stability, and to investigate the efficacy of green tea leaf extract hair restorer compared with minoxidil on hair growth purpose. Methods: This study used an experimental method that was macerated using 96% ethanol as a solvent. The formula was made into 3 concentrations, namely 2.5%; 5%; 7.5% compared with the drug minoxidil as a positive control. The three formulas were first evaluated to meet the requirements for hair tonic stability, then the hair effectiveness test was carried out with the test animal being a male rabbit. Results: the group that had the highest effectiveness on hair growth in rabbits was minoxidil which had an average value on the 7th, 14th and 21st days of 4.9 ; 6.3 ; 7.9 followed by the third formula which has a concentration of 7.5% as much as 4.5; 5.2 ; 6.5. While the negative control which was only applied with a hair tonic base only had hair growth 1,4; 1,9 ; 2,3. Conclusion: The preparation of hair tonic formula 1 to formula 3 met the requirements for physical stability, namely, pH test, viscosity test and organoleptic test. The preparation of hair tonic ethanol extract of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L.) showed that the 7.5% concentration was more effective in accelerating hair growth compared to formulas 1 and 2, and also showed that the 7.5% concentration had almost the same effectiveness as minoxidil (positive control).

Formulasi Sediaan Pomade Ekstrak Daun Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) Sebagai Perangsang Penumbuh Rambut Pada Kelinci

Background: Meniran petroleum ether extract 2% which contains lignans and terpenoids can increase hair growth activity by inhibiting 5α-reductase. In addition, the ethanol extract of candlenut seeds from the same family as meniran Flavonoids and phenols can also stimulate hair growth. Previous studies have also shown that quercetin also has activity to increase hair growth. Meniran is also known to contain the flavonoids quercetin, nirurin, rutin, quercitrin, astragalin and galocatechin. So meniran ethanol extract was chosen for this study. Based on a literature search about this research, the researcher was interested in formulating meniran leaf extract pomade (Phyllanthus niruri L.) as a hair stimulant in rabbits (Oryclolagus cunucilus). Purpose: To determine the formulation of meniran leaf extract pmade (Phyllanthus niruri L.) which is good in stimulating hair growth in rabbits. Methods: The method used was an experimental study to test the characteristics of pomade preparations with meniran leaf extract concentrations of 5%, 7.5% and 10% with organoleptic, homogeneity, spreadability, pH, irritation and freeze-thaw parameters. Results: From the results of the research on the characteristic test of pomade preparations on formulations of formula I, formula II and formula III it was found that they fulfilled the characteristics of pomade while F0 did not meet the spreadability requirements. Conclusion: Among the three formulations, it was found that pomade with formula III had the effectiveness of a good hair growth stimulant and could compete with the positive control.

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN PERTUMBUHAN TERNAK KELINCI DI DASAN KARANG ANYAR DESA SIKUR LOMBOK TIMUR

Service to the community in the village of Karang Anyar Sikur Village, East Lombok, aims to improve knowledge breeders skill especially breeders rabbit that is in through making and giving quality feed. The population and growth of rabbits in Karang Anyar Sikur Village, East Lombok is relatively low compared to other villages in East Lombok, this is due to the lack of knowledge about the management of feeding rabbits, including the quality and quantity of feed provided. The implementation of the activity is carried out gradually, starting from the survey location, setting the time for implementation, making the brochure/leaf, and watching the video about the cultivation of the rabbit and the evaluation stage. By achieving the goal of this activity, it is expected that the community, especially the pet group, will be able to make formulas for the rabbit's food from the materials that are available at the location, with the content of the nutrition, according to the needs of the rabbit, and the provision of good food, so that it can increase the growth of the rabbit Income breeders rabbit.

River-sourced Cladophora glomerata macroalgal biomass as a more sustainable and functional feed raw material for growing rabbits

Animal scientists actively seek strategies for ensuring the sustainable viability of animal ecosystems, with a focus on exploring alternative feed raw materials to reduce reliance on traditional ones. So, this study aims to analyse the impact of river-sourced Cladophora glomerata macroalgal biomass on the growth, slaughter performance, and physiological development of rabbits. Thirty weaned (52 days of age) Californian rabbits were assigned to three dietary treatments: standard compound diet (SCD), SCD enriched with 4% C. glomerata (CG4), and SCD enriched with 8% C. glomerata (CG8). Growth performance was recorded throughout the feeding trial, and at its conclusion (122 days of age), rabbits were euthanized, slaughtered, and subjected to intestinal analysis. Incorporation of CG diets showed no significant impact on body weight or average daily gain (p > 0.05); however, CG8 significantly lowered daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The SCD resulted in a significantly higher lung percentage (p < 0.05), while CG diets had minimal effects on remaining slaughter performance traits. In duodenal content, CG-enriched diets increased acetic and propionic acid levels but reduced lactic (p < 0.05). Duodenal villus height remained stable, while in the ileum, CG4 inclusion resulted in a significantly higher villus (p < 0.05). Duodenal crypt depth increased with biomass supplementation; conversely, in the ileum, increased biomass led to decreased crypt depth (p < 0.05). In general, recent research suggests that adding C. glomerata to rabbit diets can be an effective alternative without adverse effects on growth, slaughter performance, or physiologial development.

Marker Density and Models to Improve the Accuracy of Genomic Selection for Growth and Slaughter Traits in Meat Rabbits.

The selection and breeding of good meat rabbit breeds are fundamental to their industrial development, and genomic selection (GS) can employ genomic information to make up for the shortcomings of traditional phenotype-based breeding methods. For the practical implementation of GS in meat rabbit breeding, it is necessary to assess different marker densities and GS models. Here, we obtained low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (lcWGS) data from 1515 meat rabbits (including parent herd and half-sibling offspring). The specific objectives were (1) to derive a baseline for heritability estimates and genomic predictions based on randomly selected marker densities and (2) to assess the accuracy of genomic predictions for single- and multiple-trait linear mixed models. We found that a marker density of 50 K can be used as a baseline for heritability estimation and genomic prediction. For GS, the multi-trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model results in more accurate predictions for virtually all traits compared to the single-trait model, with improvements greater than 15% for all of them, which may be attributed to the use of information on genetically related traits. In addition, we discovered a positive correlation between the performance of the multi-trait GBLUP and the genetic correlation between the traits. We anticipate that this approach will provide solutions for GS, as well as optimize breeding programs, in meat rabbits.

Dietary replacement of maggot meal for soybean meal: implication on performance indices, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilisation and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with maggot meal (MM) in growing rabbits' diets on their performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics. In the 56 days feeding trials, sixty unsexed mixed breeds (New Zealand White x California) rabbits were allotted on a weight equalization basis into five dietary treatments where a standard corn-soybean meal based diet (0% of maggot meal) (MM0 diet) served as the while other diets had soybean meal replaced with MM at graded levels of 25, 50, 75 and 100% to give MM25, MM50, MM75, and MM100 diets respectively. Each treatment comprises of four replicates having three rabbits each (12 rabbits per treatment). Growth performance parameters were monitored and recorded weekly, carcass and organ weights evaluation was conducted on day 56. Nutrient digestibility commenced on the 56th day and lasted for 6 days. Feed and water were offered to the rabbits ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. All the performance parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by MM inclusion in the diet of rabbits. Rabbits fed MM100 diet had the highest (P < 0.05) final weight (FW), total weight gain(TWG), and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR). The feed cost reduced (P < 0.05) with inclusion of MM in rabbit's diet. Feed cost per kg live weight (FC/LW) (1110.79 ₦/kg) and feed cost per kg weight gain (FC/WG) (1110.62 ₦/kg) was lowest (P < 0.05) for rabbits fed MM100 diet. Crude protein digestibility (CPD) (74.05%) was highest (P < 0.05) for rabbits fed the MM100 diet. The feeding of MM75 and MM100 diets to rabbits resulted in increased (P < 0.05) dry matter digestibility (DMD) (68.22 and 69.34%), nitrogen free extract digestibility (NFED) (65.52 and 65.22%) and neutral detergent fibre digestibility (NDFD) (70.05 and 69.58%). The highest (P < 0.05) nitrogen retained (NR) (2.10g/d) occurred in rabbits fed the MM100 diet. The dressing percentage (DP) (71.01%) increased (P < 0.05) for rabbits fed the MM100 diet. The weight of forelimbs (10.48 and 10.45%) and hind limbs (17.42 and 18.07%) were highest (P < 0.05) for rabbits fed MM50 and MM100 diets respectively. Total gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and liver weight were highest (P < 0.05)for rabbits fed MM0 and MM100 diets respectively. It was concluded that MM can conveniently replace SBM in the diets of rabbits up to 100% for improved growth performance and increased nutrient digestibility. In addition, it can enhance DP and increase the carcass yield of rabbits.

Regulation of Hair Follicle Growth and Development by Different Alternative Spliceosomes of FGF5 in Rabbits.

This study investigated the regulatory effect of alternative spliceosomes of the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene on hair follicle (HF) growth and development in rabbits. The FGF5 alternative spliceosomes (called FGF5-X1, FGF5-X2, FGF5-X3) were cloned. The overexpression vector and siRNA of spliceosomes were transfected into dermal papilla cells (DPCs) to analyze the regulatory effect on DPCs. The results revealed that FGF5-X2 and FGF5-X3 overexpression significantly decreased LEF1 mRNA expression (p < 0.01). FGF5-X1 overexpression significantly reduced CCND1 expression (p < 0.01). FGF5-X1 and FGF5-X2 possibly downregulated the expression level of FGF2 mRNA (p < 0.05), and FGF5-X3 significantly downregulated the expression level of FGF2 mRNA (p < 0.01). The FGF5 alternative spliceosomes significantly downregulated the BCL2 mRNA expression level in both cases (p < 0.01). FGF5-X1 and FGF5-X2 significantly increased TGFβ mRNA expression (p < 0.01). All three FGF5 alternative spliceosomes inhibited DPC proliferation. In conclusion, the expression profile of HF growth and development-related genes can be regulated by FGF5 alternative spliceosomes, inhibiting the proliferation of DPCs and has an influence on the regulation of HF growth in rabbits. This study provides insights to further investigate the mechanism of HF development in rabbits via FGF5 regulation.

Proposal for a new non-linear model to describe growth curves

This study was developed with longitudinal data measurements of Norfolk rabbits from birth to 119 days of age to estimate the average growth curve, with the primary objective of proposing a non-linear model. It also selected the most appropriate sigmoidal model to describe the growth of Norfolk rabbits. The adjustments provided by the logistic, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, Brody, Richards, and proposed models were compared. The parameters were estimated using the “nls” function of the “stats” package in R software, the least-squares method, and the Gauss-Newton convergence algorithm. The goodness-of-fit comparison was based on the following criteria: adjusted coefficient of determination (), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute deviation (MAD), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Cluster analysis helped select and classify the non-linear growth models, considering the other goodness-of-fit criteria results. The proposed non-linear, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and Richards models described the growth curve of Norfolk rabbits satisfactorily, providing parameters with practical interpretations. The goodness-of-fit criteria showed that the proposed and von Bertalanffy models best represented the growth of rabbits.

Using chlorella algae as bioactive additive and its effect on growth of rabbits and quality of meat

The main task of rabbit breeding as well as other areas of animal husbandry is to increase the quality and quantity of obtaining product without economical damage. For implementing this task using various type of biologically active additives widely spread, but also researching the effect of this bioactive additives on animal organism and obtaining products has a significant role on developing of this industry. Because of this the aim of investigation was to study the effect of plant origin bioactive additive – Chlorella algae on rabbits’ growth, live weight and quality of obtaining meat through assessing organoleptic and physicochemical attributes according to state standards.

Effects of the fermented soya waste supplementation with various probiotic sources on growth performance of crossbred rabbits

The experiment on the growth of rabbits involved a completely randomized design with six treatments and six replications, with two rabbits with balanced sexual distribution per trial unit. The six treatments included different methods of treating soya waste, including cooking it (T1), and five commercial probiotics, namely the biotic probiotic (T2), garlic powder probiotic (T3), M-VS05 probiotic (T4), UV-Bacillus probiotic (T5), and the alive probiotic (T6). The soya waste was anaerobically fermentedin three days before feeding it to the experimental rabbits. The results showed that the use of probiotic treatments improved nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, digestible nutrients, and nitrogen retention (P&gt;0.05). The T3 treatment resulted in the highest daily weight gain (P&lt;0.05) and economic returns for the experimental rabbits. There were no significant differences in the physiological and biochemical indicators of rabbit blood between treatments (P&gt;0.05). The group of rabbits fed with T1 treatment (without probiotics) had a much higher density of E. coli in their fecesthan the other five groups. These findings indicated that treating anti-nutrients in soya waste with probiotics could replace heat treatment and result in better growth performance, improved daily weight gain, and increased profits for growing rabbits.

The effect of enterocin A/P dipeptide on growth performance, glutathione-peroxidase activity, IgA secretion and jejunal morphology in rabbits after experimental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis P3Tr2a Infection

The increasing frequency of methicillin-resistant (MR) staphylococci in humans and animals need special attention for their difficult treatment and zoonotic character, therefore novel antimicrobial compounds on a natural base against antibiotic-resistant bacteria are requested. Currently, bacteriocins/enterocins present a new promising way to overcome this problem, both in prevention and treatment. Therefore, the preventive and medicinal effect of dipeptide enterocin EntA/P was evaluated against MR Staphylococcus epidermidis SEP3/Tr2a strain in a rabbit model, testing their influence on growth performance, glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activity, phagocytic activity (PA), secretory (s)IgA, and jejunal morphometry (JM). Eighty-eight rabbits (aged 35 days, meat line M91, both sexes) were divided into experimental groups S (SEP3/Tr2a strain; 1.0 × 105 CFU/mL; dose 500µL/animal/day for 7 days, between days 14 and 21 to simulate the pathogen attack), E (EntA/P; 50 µL/animal/day, 25,600 AU/mL in two intervals, for preventive effect between days 0 and 14; for medicinal effect between days 28 and 42), E + S (EntA/P + SEP3/Tr2a; preventive effect; SEP3/Tr2a + EntA/P; medicinal effect) and control group (C; without additives). Higher body weight was recorded in all experimental groups (p < 0.001) compared to control data. The negative influence/attack of the SEP3Tra2 strain on the intestinal immunity and environment was reflected as decreased GPx activity, worse JM parameters and higher sIgA concentration in infected rabbits. These results suggest the promising preventive use of EntA/P to improve the immunity and growth of rabbits, as well as its therapeutic potential and protective role against staphylococcal infections in rabbit breeding.

PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC GOODS OF THE RABBIT BREEDING AT DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES OF MAINTENANCE OF RABBITS

For the prospects of the rabbit breeding of present time optimal direction of development are individual and farmer economies, with the middle population of doe-rabbit. For the profitable conduct of the rabbit breeding except general principles of maintenance and growing, it is expedient to take into account the pedigree features of rabbits. Most distribution for the rabbit breeders of our country meat and hide of breed got: grey and white giants, butterfly, silvery, less popularity is used by the meat breeds of rabbits: New Zealand white and Californian.&#x0D; Main advantage of the rabbit breeding are an economy of areas and absence of capital apartments for growing of population of rabbits, in the modern rabbit breeding the systems of maintenance of rabbits are used in cages – outside, with the partial or complete process of mechanization: feeding and give to drink, moving away of wastes. At cellular maintenance of rabbits the most rational organization of works is provided on a supervision and reproduction. Cellular maintenance of rabbits gives an opportunity to carry out and control all processes and effectively to conduct veterinary and prophylactic measures. The table of contents of rabbits in cages provides a receipt from them of high-quality selfish products and carcass of kind fattened. For growing of different breeds of rabbits optimal economic indicators are the breeding of 30 female rabbits and more, at such population recoupment presents three years.&#x0D; The efficiency of management and high profitability of organic rabbit farms is ensured thanks to small capital investments in equipment and cages, early maturity and multi-fertility of rabbits, intensive growth of rabbits and rapid change of generations, obtaining products of high quality and quantity in a short time. The use of modern improved cage systems, high-quality feed and balanced rations for sexual age groups of rabbits allows to optimize the operating costs of the rabbit farm, and properly adjusted logistics of rabbit breeding products ensures constant profit at optimal profitability.