Yeast as growth promoter in two breeds of growing rabbits with special reference to its economic implications

Abstract

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters, histological changes in intestinal wall and economic indices in two breeds of weanling rabbits (V-Line and Rex). One-hundred and twenty weaned male rabbits were allotted randomly into four groups in factorial arrangement. The results could be summarized as follows: dietary supplementation of SC significantly accelerated body weight gain (BWG), reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased profit. The highest BWG and the lowest FCR were noticed in each breed when interacted with SC. There were non-significant differences in carcass traits due to the studied factors, except in loin and dressing percentages. The highest percentages of loin and dressing were obtained from V-line when fed diet supplemented with SC. The treated rabbits with yeast were characterized by an increase in Brunner`s gland and villi. Dietary Supplementation of SC decreased blood total glycerides and cholesterol and increased blood total protein, albumin and A/G ratio. The treated group showed higher profitability than the control. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of SC provided beneficial effects in growth performance and profitability of rabbits. Finally, dietary supplementation of SC is highly recommended in growing rabbits.

Keywords

• blood components
• economic indices
• growing rabbits
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae