Feeding Rabbits Research Articles

Effect of the application of sage (Salvia officinalis L) as a phytogenic additive in rabbit feed

The purpose of the experiment was to determine the effect of the addition of dried ground whole leaves of the herb Salvia officinalis L in the feed for fattening rabbits, on the productive parameters, some blood indicators and carcass characteristics. The inclusion of ground dry leaves of the herb sage in feed for fattening rabbits has a positive effect on productive performance. In the experimental group were improved average daily gain by 29,2% (P<0,05), feed conversion ratio by 19% (P<0,05) for the entire experimental period and average daily feed consumption by 3,8% (P<0,05) during the first week of the experiment compared to the control.The tested additive did not reliably affect the parameters of the slaughter analysis, the chemical analysis of the meat and blood parameters.

The Effects of Adding Hempseed Cake on Sperm Traits, Body Weight, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rabbit Males.

Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost.

Improving nutrient digestibility and health in rabbits: effect of fermented rapeseed meal supplementation on haematological and lipid parameters of blood

BackgroundMany studies conducted on livestock point to fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) as a component that provides adequate quality and quantity of protein. Additionally, it is a very good source of probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants. A study was undertaken to assess the impact of a feed supplemented with FRSM fermented with Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y on production parameters, nutrient digestibility, and haematological and lipid indicators of the blood in growing rabbits. Forty New Zealand White rabbits (body weight 816,25 ± 24,98 g) aged 35 days were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups, a control group (C) was fed a standard diet, while in the diet of three experimental groups, soybean meal (SBM) was replaced with FRSM at 4% (FR4 group), 8% (FR8 group), or 12% (FR12 group).ResultsDetailed analysis revealed that the contribution of FRSM in the rabbit feed, regardless of the amount, had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG), as well as average daily gain (ADG), compared to the control group (C), (P = 0.017). All groups receiving FRSM had a significantly lower (P = 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. In rabbits fed a diet containing 8% FRSM, the blood haematological parameters, such as red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were significantly higher compared to the control group (P = 0.037). In addition, a significant reduction in the plasma levels of the low-density lipoprotein fraction (LDL-chol), the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (CHOL/HDL), (P = 0.001), and triacylglycerols (TG), (P = 0.004) were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group.ConclusionsBased on the encouraging outcomes, it is possible to recommend domestically produced FRSM as a viable substitute for genetically-modified (GM) SBM in rabbit feed.

Utilization of Agricultural Waste as a Total Mixed Ratio Pellet Material for Rex Rabbit Feed

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) pellets derived from agricultural waste and assess their potential as feed for Rex rabbits. The research employed an experimental approach, utilizing agricultural and plantation waste to produce TMR pellets. The study was conducted in two stages: pellet production and rabbit feeding trials. Three formulations of TMR pellets were developed with varying concentrations of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB): P1 (5% EFB), P2 (10% EFB), and P3 (15% EFB). The optimal formulation was subsequently used for the feeding trials. Rabbit feed treatments included T0 (60% commercial pellet + 40% forage), T1 (40% commercial pellet + 20% TMR pellet + 40% forage), T2 (30% commercial pellet + 30% TMR pellet + 40% forage), and T3 (60% TMR pellet + 40% forage). Results from the pellet analysis indicated no significant differences in organoleptic properties among the formulations. The durability test yielded the highest value of 98.77%, while the proximate analysis of the P1 formulation showed a dry matter content of 85.67%, ash content of 10.35%, organic matter of 89.65%, crude protein of 18.65%, crude fat of 18.72%, and crude fiber of 19.18%. In the rabbit feeding trials, there were no significant differences in rabbit performance when compared to those fed with commercial pellets. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that agricultural waste can be effectively utilized as a raw material for rabbit feed pellets, offering comparable quality to commercial alternatives. This research highlights the potential of agricultural waste in reducing environmental pollution while providing an economically viable alternative for animal feed.

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.

Additive effects of Bridelia ferruginea leaf meal as a partial replacement for soybean meal on nutrients digestibility, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits

BackgroundProtein is a crucial nutrient for enhancing livestock performance and productivity, traditionally sourced from soybean and fish meal. However, issues like erratic availability and rising prices necessitate exploring alternative protein sources. Tropical plants, especially leaf meals, are being considered to replace or supplement conventional protein sources in rabbit diets. Bridelia ferruginea, a plant abundant in West Africa, is recognized for its medicinal properties, but its potential as an animal feed is largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the impact of graded levels of Bridelia ferruginea leaf meal (BFLM) as a partial substitute for soybean meal in the diets of weaner rabbits.Materials and methodsThe experiment was conducted at the Animal Science Department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. BFLM was obtained by air-drying harvested leaves and milling them. Four diets were formulated, with BFLM partially replacing soybean meal at levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Representative samples of BFLM and all formulated diets were analyzed for their proximate composition and detergent fibre fractions. Twenty-four weaner rabbits were assigned to these diets in a Completely Randomized Design. The study covered a 10-week period, assessing growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and economics of production.ResultsThe chemical composition of BFLM revealed favorable attributes for rabbit feeding, with 20.5% crude protein and 92.6% dry matter. Growth performance declined at 30% BFLM inclusion, indicating a possible impact of anti-nutritional factors. Feed conversion ratio increased at higher BFLM levels. Nutrient digestibility showed a decline in dry matter digestibility at 30% BFLM. Carcass characteristics were affected at higher BFLM levels, with dressing percentage decreasing. Weights of internal organs were generally not negatively affected by the inclusion of BFLM. Economic analysis indicated a linear reduction in feed cost with increasing BFLM inclusion.ConclusionThe study suggests that BFLM can be incorporated up to 20% in weaner rabbit diets without compromising productivity, nutrient digestibility, or dressing percentage. Beyond 20%, adverse effects on growth performance and some carcass characteristics were observed. Economically, BFLM incorporation up to 20% lowered feed costs without compromising feed efficiency. Incorporation of BFLM up to 20% in weaner rabbit diets had no adverse effects on the weights and functions of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Overall, BFLM presents a promising alternative protein source for weaner rabbit diets, contributing to cost-effective and sustainable livestock production.

Dehydrated Brewery Residue (DBR) can reduce the cost of rabbit production in Brazil, but affects performance, blood nutrients, and carcass characteristics

The study aimed to determine the chemical composition, apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, and nutrients of Dehydrated Brewery Residue (DBR) for New Zealand White rabbits, as well as evaluate performance, biochemical and immunological blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Two experiments were carried out: digestibility and performance, both in a completely randomized design. In the digestibility experiment, 20 animals of mixed sexes were used, from 45 to 60 days of age, which consumed reference feed (RF) or test feed (TF - 70% RF + 30% DBR). In the performance experiment, 50 mixed-sex animals were used from 31 to 70 days of age. For digestibility, bromatological analyses were made of total dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), gross energy (GE), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin from samples of feces, feed (RF and TF) and experimental feed (DBR). In terms of performance, the treatments were the basal feed (BF) + four TF, made up of increasing levels of DBR inclusion (10, 20, 30, and 40%). Overall, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of DM was 64.68 ±7.91%, while the ADC of GE and CP were 67.39 ±7.79% and 80.64 ±8.99%, respectively, resulting in digestible energy and digestible protein contents of 3,081 ±356 kcal/kg and 17.97 ±2.00%. There was a linear reduction (P<0.05) in the final weight, daily weight gain, and daily feed intake, but there was a linear reduction in production costs (P<0.05) for both the 31- to 50-day phase and the 31- to 70-day phase. Circulating levels of calcium (P=0.013) and phosphorus (P=0.019) responded in a linear decreasing pattern to the experimental feeds. The same response was observed for slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight, yield of skin, head, commercial cuts, and relative weight of edible organs, as well as meat quality, in which the loss of water on thawing (P=0.004) and shear force (P=0.005) indicated less juiciness and less tenderness in the meat. Levels of 10 to 40% DBR in feed for rabbits from 31 to 70 days of age mitigate production costs, but result in a worsening of performance and reduce circulating levels of calcium and phosphorus, reduce carcass weight, commercial cuts, and edible organs, as well as increasing water loss on thawing, and reducing meat tenderness.

IMPLEMENTASI PERANCANGAN INTEGRASI SWOT BALANCED SCORECARD DALAM PENILAIAN KINERJA BISNIS PAKAN KELINCI PADA RABBIT BROTHERS DI KABUPATEN BANDUNG

Rabbit Brothers is one of the rabbit breeders established in 2017 located in West Java, West Bandung Regency. Rabbit Brothers rabbit feed sales in 2023 fluctuated. The tighter the competition, the company needs to determine strategies in business management to determine the company's current performance. The purpose of this study is to describe the strategy based on SWOT analysis, design a Rabbit Brothers rabbit feed strategy map based on SWOT Balanced Scorecard integration, performance measurement and performance assessment of Rabbit Brothers rabbit feed based on SWOT Balanced Scorecard integration, and improve Rabbit Brothers rabbit feed business performance based on SWOT Balanced Scorecard integration. The methods in this research are SWOT Analysis, Balanced Scorecard, Analytical Hierarchy Process Software Expert Choice, and Key Performance Indicator Lead Indicator. Rabbit Brothers rabbit feed strategy and strategy map, one of which is increasing profits, Rabbit Brothers rabbit feed performance is 93.04%, meaning that the company's performance is in a very healthy condition with the category (AAA). The performance of the four performance perspectives that are not optimal is improved on strategic initiatives, one of which is the content creation program.

The functional role of the rabbit digastric muscle during mastication.

Muscle spindle abundance is highly variable in vertebrates, but the functional determinants of this variation are unclear. Recent work has shown that human leg muscles with the lowest abundance of muscle spindles primarily function to lengthen and absorb energy, while muscles with a greater spindle abundance perform active-stretch-shorten cycles with no net work, suggesting that muscle spindle abundance may be underpinned by muscle function. Compared with other mammalian muscles, the digastric muscle contains the lowest abundance of muscle spindles and, therefore, might be expected to generate substantial negative work. However, it is widely hypothesised that as a jaw-opener (anatomically) the digastric muscle would primarily function to depress the jaw, and consequently do positive work. Through a combination of X-ray reconstruction of moving morphology (XROMM), electromyography and fluoromicrometry, we characterised the 3D kinematics of the jaw and digastric muscle during feeding in rabbits. Subsequently, the work loop technique was used to simulate in vivo muscle behaviour in situ, enabling muscle force to be quantified in relation to muscle strain and hence determine the muscle's function during mastication. When functioning on either the working or balancing side, the digastric muscle generates a large amount of positive work during jaw opening, and a large amount of negative work during jaw closing, on average producing a relatively small amount of net negative work. Our data therefore further support the hypothesis that muscle spindle abundance is linked to muscle function; specifically, muscles that absorb a relatively large amount of negative work have a low spindle abundance.

The use of Moringa leaves extract in rabbit diets: its effect on performance, lipid profile, kidney and liver function, immunity, antioxidant, digestive enzymes, and cecal microbiota

Abstract This study evaluated the role of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLEx) in improving the performance and health of rabbits during the fattening period. The growth, carcass measurements, serum immunity, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, digestive enzymes, antioxidant condition, cecal microbiota of rabbits have been examined. A total of 100 New Zealand White male rabbits (5-week-old) were randomly distributed into five groups and were fed on the basal diet only or the basal diet supplemented with graded levels of MOLEx (1, 2, 3 or 4 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Animals in each group were divided into 10 replicates, with two animals each. Results showed that dietary supplementation of MOLEx at levels of 1, 3 and 4 g/kg feed improved growth performance (p < 0.05) including LBW (7, 9, 11, 13 weeks), BWG (5-13 weeks) and FCR (11-13 and 5-13 weeks). The inclusion of MOLEx in rabbits feed (3 and 4 g/kg) increased carcass%, dressing% and spleen% and decreased duodenum pH and cecal pH. Abdominal fat% was significantly lowered after the treatment with MOLEx. Lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, and cecal microbiota (increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria) of growing rabbits were positively affected by MOLEx levels. The dietary supplementation of MOLEx improved most of antioxidant biomarkers of growing rabbits. The dietary supplementation of MOLEx (2, 3 and 4 g/kg) increased immunological indicators (IgM, IgG, IgA, lysozyme and complement 3), and lowered cortisol level compared with the control group. Digestive enzymes (protease, lipase and amylase) activities of rabbits positively affected by MOLEx levels (3 and 4 g/kg feed). In conclusion, the inclusion of MOLEx in rabbits feed can be effective in improving productive performance, kidney and liver functions, digestive enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers, immunological indicators, cecal microbiota and carcass traits.

Marine macroalgae in rabbit feed – Effects on meat quality

The addition of macroalgae to livestock diets has demonstrated to enhance the quality of meat by improving the muscle stability, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid profile. However, information regarding rabbit meat is scarce. This study evaluated the effect of adding 1.025% of different macroalgae, dehydrated and as extracts (Saccharina latissima, Himanthalia elongata and Ulva spp.) to the diet of growing rabbits. Dietary supplementation with the Ulva spp. extract increased the fat content (0.96% vs 0.33% in control group) and the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (by 22%; P ≤ 0.022), but did not affect the moisture, protein or ash contents or the physicochemical properties of the rabbit longissiumus lumborum muscle. The antioxidant status of the meat was adequate and was not affected by the dietary supplements. The sensorial properties of the meat were also not affected, and dietary supplementation with both S. latissima and H. elongata actually enhanced the flavour and juiciness of the meat (P ≤ 0.01). Altogether, the study findings indicate that the addition of these sustainable ingredients to rabbit feed did not negatively affect meat quality, and some of them may potentially improve specific characteristics, which could make this meat more attractive to consumers.

Valorisation of grape stem as an alternative ingredient in rabbit feed.

Grape stem is a winery by-product that it is currently disposed as waste or at best as soil conditioner. However, it is rich in fibres and polyphenols which makes it interesting for animal feeding. In this regard, rabbit farming emerges as a target livestock farming since fibre content is essential in rabbit's diets for preventing digestive troubles and polyphenols are associated with improved performances in animals due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This study aims to assess the suitability of a grape stem-based ingredient for rabbit feeding. The stem was dried using flash drying technology to prevent rapid spoilage and stabilise the ingredient. Then, its nutritional value was evaluated resulting in a high fibre (>40%) and polyphenol (>6%) content ingredient with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. A feed efficiency trial was conducted and inclusion rates of up to 10% of grape stem-based ingredient did not affect animals' mortality, average daily feed intake, daily gain or feed conversion ratio. In conclusion, grape stem-based ingredient arises as a secondary feedstuff for cuniculture reducing the dependence on other fibre sources, such as cereals or sunflower hulls. This could also contribute to reduce the environmental footprint of the wine sector by giving a second life to an existing waste, while generating a new activity based on circular economy.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of salinomycin sodium (Sacox®) for rabbits for fattening (Huvepharma N.V.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the coccidiostat salinomycin sodium (Sacox®) for rabbits for fattening. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of salinomycin sodium (SAL-Na) from Sacox® does not raise safety concerns for the target species, consumers, users and the environment with regard to the production strain. In the absence of adequate tolerance studies, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of SAL-Na from Sacox® for rabbits for fattening. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for the consumer when it is used at the proposed maximum level of 25 mg SAL-Na/kg complete feed for rabbits and a withdrawal period of 1 day is respected. The following maximum residue limits (MRL) are proposed for the marker residue compound salinomycin (SAL): 0.2 and 0.03 mg SAL/kg for liver and kidney, respectively. The additive is not irritant to skin and eyes but should be considered a potential dermal and respiratory sensitiser. A risk for inhalation toxicity could not be excluded. The use of the SAL-Na from Sacox® in feed for rabbits for fattening up to the highest proposed level will not pose a risk for the terrestrial and aquatic compartment and ground water. The risk of secondary poisoning can be excluded for worm-eating birds and mammals, while it cannot be excluded for fish-eating birds and mammals. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that SAL-Na from Sacox® at the minimum concentration of 20 mg SAL-Na/kg complete feed has the potential to control coccidiosis in rabbits for fattening. Development of resistance to SAL-Na of field Eimeria spp. strains isolated from rabbits for fattening should be monitored.

Exercise Intensity Assessment of Care Farming Activities in Adults

We aimed to determine the energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, and exercise intensity of 10 care farming activities performed by adults. The study had a crossover experimental design. Participants performed 10 care farming activities for 5 minutes, including four plant- and three animal-mediated activities, and three other activities. Each participant wore a portable telemetric calorimeter during the activities, and oxygen uptake, heart rate, and exercise intensity were measured. Twenty-one adults (aged 31.5 ± 10.2 years) participated in our study. Energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, and exercise intensity differed significantly for each activity. The 10 care farming activities were regarded as light- to moderate-intensity activities. The exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and oxygen uptake for organizing a garden plot were significantly higher than those for other care farming activities. Cooking using harvests, interacting with dogs, and feeding rabbits had the lowest exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and oxygen uptake. Other activities, such as transplanting plants, harvesting, creating art, maintaining a garden, walking with a dog, and cleaning the farm, had moderate exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and oxygen uptake. Energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, and exercise intensity data could be useful when developing a care farming program suitable for the physical condition of participants in care farming interventions.

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.

Meat quality and sensory traits in rabbits fed with two different percentages of bovine colostrum

The nutritional, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of bovine colostrum (BC) have encouraged its use in animal nutrition as a functional food in recent years. Nonetheless, the potential implications of BC supplementation on meat quality remain to be thoroughly assessed. To address this, thirty-nine New Zealand White rabbits (n = 13/group) were fed different dietary regimens until slaughter.: commercial standard diet for the control group (C) and C with 2.5% and 5% w/w of BC for BC-2.5 and BC-5 groups, respectively. Rabbits were slaughtered at 91 days of age and meat quality, and sensory characteristics were evaluated at days 2 (48 h after slaughter), 5, and 10 of refrigerated storage at 4 °C.The addition of colostrum in the diet resulted in a reduction of the total viable count, albeit only at the highest concentration and at the final detection, whereas for Lactobacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp., there was little or no effect. The colour coordinates showed no differences between the groups, but they varied over time according to diet. Some differences between groups emerged in the definition of sensory attributes but did not affect the overall liking and overall scores of individual descriptors. These results indicate that the use of colostrum in rabbit feeding does not significantly impart meat quality and sensory attributes, but the potential of this valuable by-product for the food industry needs further investigation.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dry extract obtained from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. (ginkgo extract) for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive obtained from the dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. (ginkgo extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Ginkgo extract contains ≥ 24% total flavonoids, ≥ 6% total terpene lactones and ≤ 1 mg/kg ginkgolic acids. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that ginkgo extract is safe for the target species at the following concentrations in complete feed: 2.8 mg/kg for horses and cats, 1.1 mg/kg for rabbits and guinea pigs, and 3.3 mg/kg for dogs. No safety concern would arise for the consumers from the use of ginkgo extract up to the highest level in feed which is considered safe for food-producing species (horses and rabbits). The additive should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive at the proposed level in feed for the target species is not considered to be a risk to the environment. While the available data indicate that Ginkgo preparations have a distinctive flavour profile, there is no evidence that the ginkgo extract would impart flavour to a food or feed matrix. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive.

Use of dehydrated sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) in rabbit feeding. 2 - Effects of a high dietary incorporation on performance and health of does and growing rabbits, under a sub-optimal breeding commercial environment

The effects of a high dietary (26%) incorporation of dehydrated sainfoin (DS) (Perly cultivar) on the performance and health of reproductive does and growing rabbits were analysed in a sub-optimal professional breeding environment (presenting previous coccidiosis), and over two non-consecutive reproductive cycles (2 replicates). Performance and health of does and growing rabbits were compared for 2 groups of 194 does and associated litters, when fed isonutritive feeds containing either 0 or 26% DS (DS0 and DS26 groups). Dietary DS incorporation had no effect on doe live weight, fertility rate, mortality, culling rate and doe coccidia excretion levels (P>0.05). In replicate 1, kit growth before weaning was similar among the two groups, but was 12% lower for the DS26 group in the 2nd replicate (significant interaction). Similarly, a significant interaction was detected between the effect of the diet and the replicate for the mortality rate of kits before weaning, i.e. a higher mortality was detected for DS26 (3.3 vs. 1.8%) in replicate 1, while in replicate 2 it was lower (2.1 vs. 4.4%). After weaning, the post-weaning growth rate was improved by 4% (P=0.02) for the DS26 group, while the mortality rate decreased (7.1 vs. 4.5%, P<0.001). Coccidia excretions of growing rabbits were not affected by dietary sainfoin or by replicates. A high incorporation of DS (26%) should be recommended after weaning to improve the performance of growing rabbits without impact on reproducing does.

Growth performance, plasma metabolites, meat quality, and meat and lipid health indices of New Zealand White rabbits as affected by dietary dried tomato pomace powder supplementation during the summer season.

One hundred and twenty New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) (5-week-old; 735.27 ± 27.23 g) were kept in an open-sided house during the summer season. The experiment aims to evaluate the impacts of dried tomato pomace powder (DTPP) supplementation on rabbits' performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits, meat quality, and lipid and health indices of NZW rabbits during 5-13 weeks of age. The four treatments were a standard rabbit feed (control) and the control diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% DTPP, respectively. Rabbits fed a diet containing 1.5% DTPP showed the highest growth rate through weeks 9-13 of age despite having the lowest feed intake spanning 5-13 weeks. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in rabbits fed with 1.5% DTPP-supplemented diet for 5-13 weeks. Diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% DTPP enhanced markedly dressing %, total edible flesh, saturated (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) contents, as well as the ∑n - 6/∑n - 3 ratio and the total n - 6 of meat. Dietary supplementation with DTPP decreased kidney, abdominal, and back fat. Diets supplemented with DTTP decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) concentrations. The greatest levels of linoleic acid, arachidonic and water-holding capacity in meat were observed in rabbits fed 1.5% DTPP-supplemented diets. Diets containing 1 and 1.5% DTPP improved meats' atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, meat lipid quality desired fatty acids/undesired fatty acids ratio, and meat health index. Conclusively, DTPP up to 1.5% maintained the growth performance of rabbits, boosted meat quality through increasing vitamin E, reduced fat deposition, modified fatty acid composition, and improved atherogenic, thrombogenic, and hypocholesterolemic indices of rabbit meat.

Evaluation of rabbit young stock grown using starter compound feed by growth intensity and functional state of the body

The possibility of improving the technology of raising suckling and weaned kits aged 18–42 days, which would involve the use of starter compound feed, was studied in the conducted research. The object of the research was the livestock of rabbits of the Poltava Silver breed. The research was conducted at the experimental rabbitry of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources. The experiments were carried out in a closed capital ventilated premises using metal cages for keeping suckling does with litters measuring 95×39 cm, equipped with feeders and automatic waterers. The cages intended for feeding suckling kits with starter compound feed were slightly modified: an additional feeder was installed in the compartment for young stock, and only the kits had the possibility of free movement between different compartments of the cage. By the method of group analogs from nests of suckling 18-day-old kits, two subgroups of 25 heads each were formed. The preparatory period lasted 5 days, and the main one – 19 days (raising up to 42 days of age, with weaning at 35). Suckling does of both groups were fed a complete granulated feed PK 91 (for adult rabbits and does aged 90 days and older “Lux”) produced by LLC “KreMix”. For the animals of the experimental group, a recipe for additional complete granulated starter compound feed was developed, produced at a farm in the village of Tashlik, Smila district. Thus, both starter compound feed and feed for feeding suckling does were used for the kits of the experimental group, and for the analogs of the control group - the same feed as for the does. The conducted research revealed that the use of complete granulated starter compound feed for feeding young rabbits aged 18–42 days as an additional feed, developed according to international standards, did not lead to an increase in the total cost of feed per 1 kg of live weight gain, but on the contrary, reduced it. Due to the increase in the retention rate of the replacement young stock in the experimental group by 8.0 % provided its realization for further breeding per 100 heads, contributed to additional income of 1015.28 UAH. (market realization price – 140.00 UAH/kg of live weight). Based on the conducted research, an information database of growth and development indicators of replacement young stock of rabbits when fed starter compound feed at the age of 18–42 days has been created.