EFFECT OF DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH PUMPKIN (Cucurbita moschata) AND BLACK SEED (Nigella sativa) OILS ON PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS: 1- GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD HEMATOLOGY AND CARCASS TRAITS OF GROWING RABBITS. | ||||
| Journal of Animal and Poultry Production | ||||
| Article 1, Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2013, Page 381-393 PDF (700.02 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/jappmu.2013.71499 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Ayat A. Ragab1; K. F.A. El-Reidy1; H. M. Gaafar  2
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| 1Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza | ||||
| 2Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Cemter, Dokki, Giza. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Eighty NZW weaned rabbits (40 males and 40 females at 5 weeks of age and 535.19±14.73 g LBW) were used in a complete randomized design of four treatments during feeding period from 5 to 12 weeks of age. Rabbits in the 1st group were fed commercial pelleted diet without additive (control, G1). Rabbits in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were fed the control diet supplemented with 5 g pumpkin seed (PS) oil/kg diet (G2), 5 g nigella sativa seed (NS) oil/kg diet (G3) and 2.5 g PS oil plus 2.5 g NS oil/kg diet (G4), respectively. Results showed that dietary supplementation did not affect nutrients digestibility coefficients and nutritive values. Cecal pH value and NH3-N concentration of were higher (P<0.05) in G1 than in supplemented groups (G2-G4). Concentration of TVFAs was lower in G1 and the highest concentration was in G4 (P<0.05). Hemoglobin concentration, PCV%, counts of red and white blood cells, percentage of differential white blood cells, concentrations of total proteins, albumin and globulin in blood serum were nearly similar in all groups. In blood serum, concentration of glucose increased (P<0.05), total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL as well as activity of AST and ALT decreased (P<0.05) by supplementation of PS , NS or their combination. Mortality rate decreased (P<0.05) in supplemented groups. Final body weight was higher (P<0.05) in G4 as compared to G1, G2 and G3. Total and daily weight gain were higher (P<0.05) for G4 compared with the other groups. Rabbits in G2 and G3 showed the highest (P<0.05) feed intake, followed by G1, while G4 had the lowest intake (P<0.05). Rabbits in G4 recorded the best (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio and performance index compared with other groups. Group 4 recorded the highest net revenue (P<0.05), followed by G1, while G2 and G3 had the lowest revenue (P<0.05). Groups 3 showed the highest (P<0.05) slaughter and carcass weights as well as dressing percentage. Groups 3 and 4 had (P<0.05) the highest abdominal and shoulder fat weight. Weight of liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, spleen, head and bile were nearly similar in all groups. Physical characteristics, moisture and ash contents in meat of all groups. Group 4 showed the highest (P<0.05) protein content in meat. G1 showed the highest (P<0.05) fat content in meat. In conclusion, rabbits fed diets supplemented with combination of pumpkin and black seeds oils (2.5 and 2.5 g/kg diet) showed the best results concerning digestibility coefficients, cecal fermentation, blood parameters, growth performance, carcass quality and economic efficiency. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Rabbits; Pumpkin; Nigella Sativa; digestibility; hematology; Growth performance; carcass | ||||
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