Feeding Rabbits Research Articles

Phenylalanine Rich Diet (Vicia faba L.) Enhances the Expression of Dopamine Receptor D3 (DRD3) Gene in Rabbits

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter hormone for pleasure and reward. It is synthesized only in the brain cells of human and animals and responsible for the regulation of behavior, mood, memory, cognitive, flexible movement, the body weight, and other important functions. The Dopamine Receptor D3 (DRD3) is the most important receptor for dopamine. In this investigation, expression of DRD3 gene was studied in rabbits fed on supplemented diet of dry and fresh faba bean (Vicia faba L. Sakha 3). DRD3 gene (≈ 1200 bp) in control and treated rabbits were PCR amplified, sequenced and aligned with reference gene (Acc. No XM_017346708.1). High genetic similarity values were detected among all sequences. DRD3 gene sequences of control, fresh and dry faba bean fed rabbits were deposited in the GenBank with accession numbers MZ714134, MZ714135 and MZ714136 respectively. Direct estimation of blood phenylalanine (Phe) amino acid indicated that feeding rabbits on dry faba bean reflected the highest level of Phe in the rabbit’s blood. Quantitative RT-qPCR analysis showed that DRD3 gene was over expressed after feeding rabbits on dry faba bean form compared with feeding on green form and control. Thus, diet rich with phenylalanine like Sakha3 (dry and fresh forms) enhance gene expression of DRD3 gene. However, diet doesn't affect the DRD3 gene sequence and structure. In a conclusion, our findings indicated a direct effect of faba bean supplemented diet on increasing DRD3 expression levels which improve the life quality for human.

Animal experimental research of intralesional bleomycin and pingyangmycin in the treatment of xanthoma.

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is a type of human xanthoma that occurs on the skin of human eyelids and is a benign skin lesion. Pingyangmycin (also known as bleomycin A5) is one of the 13 components of bleomycin. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of intralesional bleomycin and pingyangmycin in the treatment of xanthoma based on histopathological observations in animal experimental research. An animal model of xanthoma was established by feeding rabbits with a high-cholesterol diet. Pingyangmycin and bleomycin interfered with the skin xanthoma of the animal model. Skin tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O to evaluate the effect of the intervention. A xanthoma animal model was established. Pingyangmycin and bleomycin could reduce the abnormal lipid deposition in the lesion area of the skin xanthoma of the animal, via a local injection. In addition, pingyangmycin was more effective than bleomycin in eliminating lipid deposition in rabbit skin xanthoma.

The value of gut microbiota to predict feed efficiency and growth of rabbits under different feeding regimes

Gut microbiota plays an important role in nutrient absorption and could impact rabbit feed efficiency. This study aims at investigating such impact by evaluating the value added by microbial information for predicting individual growth and cage phenotypes related to feed efficiency. The dataset comprised individual average daily gain and cage-average daily feed intake from 425 meat rabbits, in which cecal microbiota was assessed, and their cage mates. Despite microbiota was not measured in all animals, consideration of pedigree relationships with mixed models allowed the study of cage-average traits. The inclusion of microbial information into certain mixed models increased their predictive ability up to 20% and 46% for cage-average feed efficiency and individual growth traits, respectively. These gains were associated with large microbiability estimates and with reductions in the heritability estimates. However, large microbiabililty estimates were also obtained with certain models but without any improvement in their predictive ability. A large proportion of OTUs seems to be responsible for the prediction improvement in growth and feed efficiency traits, although specific OTUs taxonomically assigned to 5 different phyla have a higher weight. Rabbit growth and feed efficiency are influenced by host cecal microbiota, thus considering microbial information in models improves the prediction of these complex phenotypes.

PENGARUH LUMPUR SAWIT TERHADAP DAYA SIMPAN DAN PALATABILITAS PAKAN PELLET KELINCI

ABSTRACT The study aims to evaluate the use of palm decanter on storability and palatability of pellet rabbit feed. There were four treatments, P0: rabbit pellets 0% palm decanter, P1: rabbit pellets 5% palm decanter, P2: rabbit pellets 10% palm decanter, P3: rabbit pellets 15% palm decanter. Pellets are prepared based on the standard nutritional needs of rabbits. Pellets were stored in 0.5 kg plastic bags for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Moisture, crude fat, and organoleptic content were carried out on pellet with storage times 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Organoleptic was carried out by 20 panelists. Palatability was carried out for a pellet with seven days of storage and given to 5 rabbits. The moisture and crude fat content of pellet in all treatments ranged from 8.63-10.17%. The higher the palm decanter content, the pellet color tends to be black with a value of 2.6-4.3. The use of 15% palm decanter can cause pellets to have a slightly rancid aroma and a characteristic solid odor. The use of 15% palm decanter did not have a significant effect on rabbit feed consumption with the consumption range 74.93-145.73 g. The study concluded that rabbit pellets containing up to 15% palm mud with a storage time of 21 days did not reduce storability. Pellets containing up to 15% palm mud with a storage time of 7 days did not reduce palatability in rabbits. Key Words: palm decanter, pellet, rancidity, feed, palatability

Dehydrated tomato pulp in rabbit feed: effects of incorporation rate on growth performance, carcass yield, meat quality and economic efficiency

1. AOAC International, 2005. Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International. 18th Edition. Gaithersburg, MD (USA). Google Scholar

The role of dietary supplements in the meat productivity of rabbits with a dry type of feeding

The role of vitamin-mineral premix and nanocrystalline iron in the meat productivity of young rabbits was studied by classical methods in the scientific and economic experience in the departments of fur farming and Rabbit Breeding of the V. A. Afanasyev Research Institute of Fur Farming and Rabbit Breeding. From 180 heads of young rabbits at the age of 45 days, 3 groups of 60 heads each were formed according to the principle of analogues: the 1-st-control group received a typical full-fledged granulated mixed feed (FGMF) with a vitamin-mineral premix P 90-2T, in the (FGMF) of the 2-nd and 3-rd experimental groups, the premix was absent, but nanocrystalline iron was included in the (FGMF) of the 3-rd group. Control slaughter of rabbits to assess meat productivity was carried out at the age of 90 days. During the experiment, it was found that the feed in all groups was identical in gross caloric content, but slightly different in the ratio of nutrients. In the mixed feed of the experimental groups, there were more nutrients with the highest digestibility coefficient (fat and soluble carbohydrates) and almost 2 times less fiber, which is slightly digested in young rabbits, only by 3-10%. Rabbits of all groups had no significant differences in live weight and average daily gain. But during the fattening period, the rabbits of the experimental groups consumed less feed when feeding freely than in the control group. At the same time, there were no significant differences in the mass of the carcass and the slaughter yield between the groups. But the feed conversion rate in the experimental groups was 1.32 and 1.28 lower than in the control group, which is economically advantageous. Based on the results of the experiment, it can be assumed that the inclusion of biologically active additives in the form of vitamin-mineral premix and nanocrystalline iron in the full-fledged granular feed for young rabbits does not make much sense, since it does not contribute to increasing meat productivity. In the cost of mixed feed, the vitamin and mineral premix accounts for 10%. Optimizing the ratio of nutrients in the diet plays a crucial role in reducing the feed conversion rate.

Effects of incorporation levels of Pueraria phaseoloides leaf flour on carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat from local rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in South-East Gabon

The objective of this study was to contribute in improving knowledge on rabbit feeding in Gabon. This work was conducted with the aim of studying carcass characteristics and chemical composition of meat from rabbit induced by feeds containing P. phaseoloides. To that effect, 20 young female rabbits from local breed, weighing averagely 611 ± 33.20 g and aged about 6 weeks were randomly distributed in 4 groups of 5 animals each. The groups R0, R15, R20 and R25 were fed rations containing respectively 0%, 15%, 20% and 25% of P. phaseoloides. At the end of the trial, animals were slaughtered then eviscerated in order to evaluate carcass characteristics. Muscles were taken, ground and mixed for chemical analysis. No matter the ration, carcass characteristics showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Highest protein contents in meat were recorded in animals from R15 (23.90% DM) and R20 (22.46% DM). The lowest fat content (5.41% DM) was that of animals from R25, followed by that from R20 (6.67% DM). Based on these results obtained, the ration containing 20% Pueraria phaseolides (R20) could be recommended.

EFFECT OF ZEOLITE (CLINOPTILOLITE) ON CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF RABBIT MEAT

This work is aimed to evaluate the effect of natural zeolite on selected parameters of the rabbit's meat chemical composition. The rabbits of the Castorex breed (n=12) were divided into two groups: Control group C (n=6) without the addition of zeolite in feed and the experimental group Z (n=6) in which animals received zeolite daily in a peroral form in concentration 0.2 g/kg of body weight. Determination of the nutritional composition of rabbit meat and analysis of individual amino acids and fatty acids was performed by the Nicolet 6700 using FT-IR method (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) in the musculus Longissimus dorsi (MLD) and the musculus Vastus lateralis (MVL). The content of water in meat in group Z (73.630 ± 0.270 g * 100g-1) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) compared to group C (72.480 ± 0.530 g * 100g-1). Cysteine content in MLD in group Z (0.289 ± 0.007 g*100 g-1) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than in group C (0.277 ± 0.011 g*100 g-1). Another noticeable difference in the statistical level p ≤ 0.05 in favor of zeolite was found in linoleic acid content in MLD with mean values in group Z (0.324 ± 0.016 g*100g-1 FAME) against the group C (0.293 ± 0.009 g* 100 g-1 FAME). Therefore, the addition of zeolite to the rabbit feeding diet possibly increases the proportion of essential linoleic fatty acid and thereby may improve the nutritional value of the meat. Increased cysteine value can lead to a better degradation of heavy metals in meat.

Comparative Studies of Growth Performance of Rabbits (Ornyctolagus cunniculus) Fed on Rabbit Feeds and Diverse Foodstuff in Captivity

The study was carried out to ascertain ways to increase protein for the teeming population of Nigerians. The specific objectives were to determine the growth performance of rabbits fed on rabbit feed and combination of agricultural by-product with forages and compare their feed utilization. It investigated the growth performances of rabbits; (Orynctolagus cuniculus) fed diverse ration (types A and B) in captivity for 12 weeks. A total of eighteen (18) weaner rabbits with an average initial weight of 350g – 370g and between 5 and 6 weeks old, were allotted into two treatments. Each treatment had three rabbits and three replicate in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in treatment one (A) were fed rabbit feed while the treatment two (B) were fed forage and diverse foodstuffs. Proximate analysis of these food ration types A and B showed that the ration type B was high in crude protein (23.88%), carbohydrate (53.29%) and fat (8.60%) and ration type A had the lowest crude protein (20.76%), carbohydrate, (52.49%) and fat (3.15%). Studies on the indices of ration utilization and growth performances showed that feed intake was highest in rabbit fed ration type A (94.28g) and lowest in ration B (90.98g). The diverse ration types although portrayed good weight gain, the highest was in rabbit fed ration type B (760.00g) and lowest in ration A (681.00g) and ration type B was significantly (p<0.05) different from ration A. The percentage weight gain and specific growth rate were highest in ration type B (210.50%), (4.097) and lowest in ration A (189.10%), (3.841). The best food conversion ratio was recorded for the rabbit fed ration type B (10.07g) and least in ration A (11.64g) and ration type A was significantly (p<0.05) different from ration B. Digestibility was highest in rabbit fed Ration A (93.33g) and lowest in ration B (92.67g) and were significantly different (p<0.05) from each other. The protein intake of ration B (21.73) was higher than those of ration A (19.57). The result also showed that the protein efficiency ratio of ration type A and B was not significantly different (p>0.05) from each other. Looking at the proximate composition of the diverse rations and indices of ration utilization, ration type B portrayed optimal nutrient content for rabbit growth.

EFFECT OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE FEED SUPPLEMENTATION ON HAEMATOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS FOR ALGERIAN RABBITS

This study aims at investigating the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplementation on reproductive performance, haematological parameters and fertility of rabbits under Algerian conditions. The animals were divided into three groups and received the same feed ration during the experimental period. The control group received a basal diet without feed additives (Group#0) and the two yeast SC groups received 0.3 and 0.6 g/day per head (Group#1 and Group#2, respectively). Semen and blood samples were collected for determination of semen parameters and haematology. The weights of rabbits treated with SC 0.3 g/day were statistically significantly different (P< 0.05) from the control groups and group treated with SC 0.6 g/day. There were significant differences between the treatment groups for (RBCs), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values, with higher values in rabbits supplemented with SC 0.3 g/day and 0.6 g/day, compared to those in the control group. The scrotal diameter did not differ between the dietary treatments. When compared with the control group, feeding rabbits graded levels of SC resulted in an increase in the average semen volume, mass motility and individual motility at day 51 of the experiment. On the other hand, the sperm concentration was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in rabbits supplemented with SC 0.3 g/day and 0.6 g/day during the two months compared to that in the control group. The spermatozoa mortality rate was lower for the rabbits supplemented with SC 0.3 g/day and 0.6 g/day (15.7% and 11.4%, respectively), compared to that in the control group (24%). In conclusion, this study has shown that inclusion of SC 0.3 g/day and 0.6 g/day in the diets of rabbit has positive effects on body weight and sperm analysis. Moreover, it increases the level (RBCs), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH).

Efecto de la harina de pupas y larvas de gusano de seda como componentes proteicos de la dieta sobre indicadores de rendimiento en conejos

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding rabbits with silkworm pupae and mealworm larvae meals on their performance indicators. Ninety (90) rabbits were divided into three groups. Control group (C) was fed with 10% soybean meal (SBM), SPM group received the diet including 5 % SBM and 4 % of silkworm pupae meal, and MLM group received the diet including 5 % SBM and 4 % of mealworm larvae meal. The body weight of rabbits and average daily gains were determined. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. At the end of fattening period, the animals were euthanized, skinned and eviscerated to determine their carcasses characteristic. Hind leg and loin muscles were collected for analyses of the chemical composition. At the end of fattening period, rabbits from groups SPM and MLM were heavier than C rabbits (2,606.5 and 2,584.8 vs 2,404.0 g), which also improved their overall carcass characteristic while FCR was similar between groups. However, feeding rabbits with the addition of insect's meals increased the amount of ether extract in their muscles. Based on the results obtained, it may be concluded that SBM may be partially replaced by silkworm pupae and mealworm larvae meals in rabbit diets.

Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine colistin, bacitracin and virginiamycin M1 at cross-contamination levels in animal feed

ABSTRACT Cross-contamination of animal feed with antibiotics may occur during manufacturing in feed mills, because shared production lines can be used for medicated and non-medicated feed, but may also occur during transport, storage and at the farm level. This is a major issue in the current context where antimicrobial usage must be controlled in order to maintain their effectiveness. A LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of colistin, bacitracin A and virginiamycin M1 in feed for pigs, poultry and rabbits at concentrations similar to those encountered in cross-contamination. After investigating various issues related to colistin behaviour and matrix effects, we successfully validated this method according to the requirements of European regulations in terms of linearity, trueness, precision, limit of quantification and limit of decision. Trueness ranged 88.6–107.8% and precision ranged 12.6–21.2%. We then applied this method to the analysis of medicated pig feed to check the performance of the method on “real” samples of medicated feed. We subsequently analysed non-medicated pig, and rabbit feed samples, collected directly on farms, to check the rate of cross-contamination. No samples were contaminated by colistin, bacitracin, or virginiamycin.

Agronomic and In Vitro Quality Evaluation of Dual-Purpose Cereals Clipped at Variable Ages and Their Utilization in Rabbit Feeding

The present study included two experiments; the first one investigated the forage productivity and in vitro quality of a single cut taken at different plant ages (45, 60, and 75 days after sowing—DAS) from four prominent cereal crops, namely, barley, oat, triticale, and ryegrass, grown during two successive winter seasons in Northern Egypt. In addition, the effect of plant age at forage removal on the crop’s regrowth ability and final grain yield was quantified. The second experiment studied the biological in vivo effects of the four crops’ hay cut at the optimum plant age on growth performance, feed utilization, and apparent nutrients’ digestibility of growing rabbits. Despite the progressive increase in the fresh and dry matter yields produced from the four crops with later forage removal and the relatively high quality of the forage removed at 45 DAS, 1st experiment concluded that forage removal at 60 DAS produced a reasonable amount of fresh and dry matter yields with appropriate in vitro quality. Meanwhile, the gain in forage yield, when forage was removed at 60 DAS, was enough to compensate for the consequent reduction in grain yield of the four evaluated crops. The inclusion of variable percentages (0, 10, and 20%) of the four tested crops’ hay, when cut at 60 DAS, in the rabbit’s diet (2nd experiment), resulted in non-significant variations in the rabbit’s final body weight. Meanwhile, regardless of the percentage, the rabbits that were fed on diets including ryegrass hay and barley hay had the highest significant daily weight gain. The best feed conversion ratios were obtained by the rabbits that were fed on diets containing 10 and 20% ryegrass hay as well as 20% triticale hay. The highest dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility coefficients were obtained by both groups of rabbits that were fed on diets containing 20% ryegrass hay and barley hay. The inclusion of any of the four crops’ hay in the rabbits’ diet resulted in significantly higher digestibility coefficients for all nutrients compared to the control rabbits except for ether extract digestibility. Among the four evaluated crops’ hay, ryegrass hay was found to have an outstanding impact on the productive performance and digestibility of growing rabbits. In growing dual-purpose cereals, it is recommended to cut the crops at 60 DAS to achieve the optimum balance between forage yield and quality on the one hand and final grain yield on the other hand. Moreover, when cut at 60 DAS, the evaluated hay of the four crops was adequate to be included in the rabbits’ diet up to 20% substitution of the commercial fiber sources.

The use of artichoke pulp and probiotic preparation in the composition of complete granular feed for rabbits

The aim of the work is the scientific and practical substantiation rabbits productivity increasing while using Jerusalem artichoke pulp and the probiotic complex "Sporothermin" in the composition of biologically valuable compound feed. The introduction of intensive breeding technologies in the rabbit breeding industry, as well as an increase in the number of livestock, led to a significant increase in the technogenic and microbiological load on the rabbits' body, which in turn causes disruption of digestion, metabolism, a decrease in productivity and the occurrence of intestinal infections. The solution to this problem can be innovative developments on the application of herbal supplements and probiotic complexes in feed rations. They help to improve the bioavailability of nutrients in compound feed and increase the safety of livestock without the use of antibiotics for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The influence of the probiotic additive "Sporothermin" together with Jerusalem artichoke pulp on the safety, productivity, physiological status and chemical composition of rabbit meat was studied in the work. 30 rabbits aged 45 days were selected to study the effect of probiotic complexes - Jerusalem artichoke pulp. The control group of rabbits received the main diet, consisting of compound feed PK-90, the rabbits of the experimental groups received compound feed PK-90, which included the probiotic complex "Sporothermin" (0.6 g / kg and 1.0 g / kg) - Jerusalem artichoke pulp 10% by weight of compound feed. The analysis of the chemical composition of muscle tissue showed that the application of the probiotic preparation "Sporothermin" at a dosage of 1.0 g / kg and Jerusalem artichoke pulp at a dosage of 10% to the mass of compound feed increases the average daily gains and, as a result, meat productivity, improves the balance of the chemical composition. This is confirmed by the approbation of the data obtained in the industrial complex of Lipetsk Rabbit LLC and the assessment of the physicochemical, functional, technological and organoleptic characteristics of the raw meat obtained.

Health Aspects, Growth Performance, and Meat Quality of Rabbits Receiving Diets Supplemented with Lettuce Fertilized with Whey Protein Hydrolysate Substituting Nitrate.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was grown using a foliar spray with whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) as opposed to normal nitrate fertilization. Lettuce juice was prepared from lettuce cultivated without any fertilization, nitrate fertilization, or WPH. Sixty weaned, 4-week-old male V-line rabbits with an average 455 ± 6 g body weight were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 15) and administered different lettuce juices. Rabbits administered WPH-fertilized lettuce showed significantly higher (n = 5, p < 0.05) body weight and carcass weight than those receiving nitrate-fertilized lettuce. Rabbits administered nitrate-fertilized lettuce were associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP), bilirubin (total, direct, and indirect), and kidney biomarkers (creatinine, urea, and uric acid). Rabbits administered WPH-fertilized lettuce avoided such increases and exhibited normal levels of serum proteins. Rabbits administered nitrate-fertilized lettuce manifested significantly (p < 0.05) lower RBCs and Hb levels than that of the other groups, while those receiving WPH-fertilized lettuce showed the highest levels. Liver and kidney sections of rabbits receiving WPH-fertilized lettuce witnessed the absence of the histopathological changes induced by feeding on nitrate-fertilized lettuce and produced higher quality meat. WPH-lettuce can substitute nitrate-fertilized lettuce in feeding rabbits for better performance and health aspects.

Red dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as feed biosupplement on performance of fattening rabbits

Peels of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as an agricultural by-product contain antioxidants and nutrients that can be used as one of the raw materials for animal feed. This study aims to determine the effect of various concentrations of peels of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as feed biosupplement on the performance of fattening rabbits. 20 rabbits were placed in individual cages and adapted to basal feed. They were fed with addition of the supplement concentration at 0% (DP0), 7% (DP7), 8% (DP8), and 9% (DP9) respectively for four weeks. Data were collected during the first, second, third and fourth weeks (including twenty-eight days) in the form of feed consumption, feed conversion, and weight gain. Data were subsequently analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a 5% significance level. The results indicated the significance between the control treatment (DFP0%) and other treatments. The treatment with the addition of 9% biosupplement of the dragon fruit peel showed the highest performance improvement, with a mean value of feed consumption of 165.95 grams/day, mean of feed conversion of 3.61 and weight gain of 703.29 grams. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the addition of fermented dragon fruit peel into the Rex rabbit feed can improve several aspects of rabbit performance.

Impact of Amaranthus hypochondriacus in nutrition for rabbits on meat quality

Unique properties of Amaranthus hypochondriacus have been extensively utilized in the recent time worldwide both in food technologies and husbandry. An intensive growth of Amaranthus hypochondriacus plants has been made in Ukraine there and, respectively, production of foods based on amaranth is growing, however no research on its use for feeding rabbits is available. Therefore, the study aimed to review the impact of Amaranthus hypochondriacus on slaughter features of rabbits, meat quality including those under storage conditions. The California race rabbits of 60 days age were divided into two groups, 28 animals in each. The rabbits in the study group were fed (by adding to the basal diet) with 20% of amaranth oilcake. The rabbits were slaughtered at age of 120 days. The following key features of meat output and quality performance were determined: pH, moisture content, water-holding capacity, cooking losses, protein and cholesterol content as well as change in pH, microorganisms count, and moisture loss percentage during 9-day storage in chilled state. Amaranthus hypochondriacus effect on the rabbit live weight, hot carcass weight, dressing out percentage, percentage ratio of heart, kidney, liver, lung weight to carcass weight, рН, moisture content, water-holding capacity, and meat morphological structure was determined. Reduction in cholesterol level by 15.07% (р &lt; 0.05) in the meat of rabbits that were fed with Amaranthus hypochondriacus was detected. pH and drip loss percentage were not significantly different among the groups in the shelf-life period. However, it was found out that growth of microorganisms in the meat of rabbits that were fed with Amaranthus hypochondriacus was slowed down: microorganisms count was 1.65 and 1.71 (р &lt; 0.05) times lower than in the control group on the 6th and 9th days of storage, accordingly. The low-cholesterol and bacteriostatic effects of amaranth oilcake in the rabbit nutrition may significantly increase dietary properties of rabbit meat. Use of amaranth oilcake for rabbit fattening has great potential and further studies including the mechanism of antibacterial effect of A. hypochondriacus on the rabbit meat are required

THE EFFECTS OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FLAXSEED ON THE DIGESTIBILITY, GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD PARAMETERS AND FATTY ACID PROFILE IN GROWING NEW-ZEALAND WHITE (NZW) RABBITS

A total number of 60 male New-Zealand White (NZW) rabbits post-weaning was used to study the effect of the inclusion of three levels (4, 6 and 8%) of flaxseed (FS) in the rabbit diet on nutrients digestibility, growth performance, blood parameters and fatty acid profile. Rabbits were distributed among 4 equal groups (3 replicates, 5 rabbits each). The1st group received the basal diet without FS. The other three groups (2nd, 3rd and 4th) received the basal diet with FS at levels 4, 6 and 8%, respectively. Rabbits were fed experimental diets for 8 weeks. Feeding diet contains FS at 6% level significantly (P<0.05) decreased the digestion coefficients as DM and OM compared to the control group while, feeding FS at the 8% level significantly decreased the digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CF and NFE compared to the control group. Feeding FS at the 6 or 8% level in rabbits significantly decreased the daily feed intake compared to the control group. Feeding flaxseed at the three levels 4, 6 and 8% in rabbits significantly (P<0.05) decreased the long dorsal fat and pre-renal fat weight compared to the control group. Feeding the experimental diets contain flaxseed at different levels (4, 6 and 8 %) significantly (P<0.05) decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol and total alkaline phosphatase compared to those of the control group. Feeding diets contain flaxseed at the level 6 and 8% in rabbit rations significantly (P<0.05) increased the α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and palmitic acid levels as well as reduced the arachidonic acid. Comparing these results to the literature, it was found that inclusion of dietary flaxseed at 6 and 8% of total ration considered high levels which significantly improved the blood parameters and profile fatty acids meanwhile a slightly decreased the growth performances and digestibility. Our suggestion under these circumstances is to use the lower level of 4% in rabbit feeding, flaxseeds are used to increase the diet content in omega-3 fatty acids, mostly alpha-linolenic acid.

Evaluation of Prophylactic and Anticoccidial Effects of Black Seed and Garlic Extracts in Rabbits

The present study was carried out to discover the protective and curative effects of alcoholic extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) and black seeds (Nigella sativa) in rabbits experimentally infected by Eimeria magna using in vivo, in vitro, and histopathological examination. Overall oocysts number per gram was significantly lower in the garlic treatment and pretreatment groups, compared to the control positive, sulfadimidine treatment, and black seed treatment groups. At the end of the experiment, the oocyst disappeared in garlic pretreatment, garlic treatment, and black seed pretreatment groups. While oocyst counts of control positive and sulfadimidine groups were increasing oocysts similarly at the end of the experiment with repeated cycles. In vitro sporulation inhibition of garlic extract showed significant efficacy on E. magna oocysts in comparison with black seed extract and high significant efficacy of sporulation inhibition, compared to sulfadimidine. While black seed extract showed high significant efficacy of sporulation inhibition, compared to sulfadimidine. Body weight gain increased in control negative, garlic pretreatment, and garlic treatment groups in comparison with other groups. The results showed that there were no significant differences in erythrocytes counts in all experimental groups while leukocyte counts showed a significant decrease in control positive and sulfadimidine groups, compared to the other groups. Similarly, the histopathological examinations on days 14 and 28 post-infection revealed pathological changes in intestinal villi of the control positive group that appeared thickened and deformed with hypertrophied enterocytes containing numerous developmental stages of E. magna. Both garlic and black seed extract had beneficial effects on improving the lesions grossly and microscopically. The results obtained in the present study proved that garlic pretreatment had a better effect on a prophylaxis and treatment for coccidiosis than garlic treatment and both had more beneficial effects, compared to black seed extract. Therefore, it is recommended to use garlic as a natural feed additive in rabbit feeding as a prophylaxis and treatment for coccidiosis to minimize the economic losses caused by this parasite.

Produksi karkas, nilai gizi dan profil asam lemak daging serta produksi limbah kelinci New Zealand White akibat penyertaan rumput laut cokelat (Sargassum sp.) pada ransum

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The aim of this current paper was to evaluate effect of inclusion &lt;em&gt;Sargassum&lt;/em&gt; sp. in the ration on meat nutrient content, meat fatty acid profile and waste production of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Twenty four NZW rabbit (70-80 d old) with initial body weight 1736 ± 50 g were randomly allocated in to three treatments. The treatments were: T1 basal feed, T2 inclusion of 4% &lt;em&gt;Sargassum&lt;/em&gt; sp. in the basal feed and T3 inclusion of 8% &lt;em&gt;Sargassum&lt;/em&gt; sp. in the basal feed.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Results of this experiment showed that inclusion of &lt;em&gt;Sargassum&lt;/em&gt; sp. in the ration gave no effect (P&amp;gt;0.05) on the moisture, ash, crude protein content of &lt;em&gt;Longisimus dorsi&lt;/em&gt; (LD) muscle, carcass percentage, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight and waste production. However, the treatment was significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) decreasing fat content of LD muscle. Fatty acids profile of all treatments was relatively same.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Utilization of &lt;em&gt;Sargassum&lt;/em&gt; sp. in the rabbit ration up to 8% has no impact on the carcass production, protein, ash, and meat water content, and the waste production. Even the inclusion of &lt;em&gt;Sargassum &lt;/em&gt;sp. the ration at level of 4% can reduce the fat content of rabbit meat. Thus, based on the observed parameters &lt;em&gt;Sargassum&lt;/em&gt; sp. can be used to substitute rabbit feed up to a level of 8%.&lt;/p&gt;