Seventy two male Bianca Italiana rabbits were used to study the effects of the inclusion (0%, 0.5... more Seventy two male Bianca Italiana rabbits were used to study the effects of the inclusion (0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) of a natural extract of chestnut wood (Silvafeed ENC) in the diet on productive traits, carcass characteristics, meat quality, lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat. Results showed ENC had no significant effect on live weight, productive traits, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, skin weight, pH, cooking losses, shear force and colour. The iron content was higher in Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of rabbit fed the ENC 1.0% diet than the control group. TBARS average values in the group ENC 0.5% were significantly lower (P<0.05) than in the control and ENC 1.0% groups. Myristic acid (C14:0; P<0.01), palmitoleic acid (C16:1 cis-9; P<0.05) and pentadecanoic acid (C15:0; P<0.01) contents were lower in LTL muscle of rabbits fed the ENC 1.0% diet, whereas the palmitic acid (C16:0) content was higher (P<0.05) in the rabbits of this group. Moreover, the rabbits fed with the ENC 0.5% diet had lower (P<0.01) levels of trans-vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans-11) compared to rabbits fed with the control diet. No significant differences were observed in saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, as well as in PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios among the groups.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 2013
In 2007 and 2008, renal stone formation and kidney damage in human infants were linked to consump... more In 2007 and 2008, renal stone formation and kidney damage in human infants were linked to consumption of melamine (MEL)-contaminated infant formula, as well as renal failure and death in pets due to pet food containing both MEL and cyanuric acid (CYA). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MEL and CYA administered individually or in combination on concentrations of certain metabolites and enzyme activities that serve as markers for oxidative stress in kidney and liver of rainbow trout. In addition, the levels of muscle MEL and renal crystal formation were determined. Trout were fed MEL and/or CYA for 8 wk at 250, 500, or 1000 mg of each compound/kg in feed. Fish muscle residues of MEL exhibited a dose-response relationship. Coexposure of trout to MEL and CYA at the highest dose led to lower MEL residue concentrations in muscle compared to exposure to MEL alone. Renal MEL-CYA complexes were found in kidneys of fish treated with combined MEL and CYA. A dose response was evident with respect to both (1) number of trout displaying renal crystals and (2) number of crystals per fish. Changes in concentration of antioxidant parameters, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, were recorded in both tissues of MEL- and CYA-dosed trout. Lipid peroxidation was more pronounced in kidney than liver. Therefore, feed contaminated with both MEL and CYA could be problematic for fish, as MEL administered to trout, individually or in combination with CYA, may facilitate the onset of oxidative damage in trout.
Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with div... more Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with diverse biological properties and functions. Fatty acids (FA), phenolic compounds (PC) and volatile compounds (VC) of flesh and peel from three Prunus persica cultivars were evaluated at the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research - Experimental Farm (Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia) during two maturation stages. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids are the most abundant FA in Prunus persica cultivars. A genetic effect on FA composition was observed throughout the two sampling periods. Peel was rich in oleic acid with the highest content (31.3% on total FA) in 'O'Henry' cultivar at the commercial ripening date; flesh was rich in linoleic acid with the highest content (44.7% on total FA) in 'Sweet Cap' cultivar at the full ripening date. The monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios were higher in the commercial ripe than in the full ripe fruits. The analysis of the composition of the VC led to the characterization of 98 different compounds, showing a very high variability among the cultivars. The full ripe fruit (peel and flesh) exhibited the highest total number of terpenoids. Commercial ripe peels were richest in the percentage of hydrocarbons. Comparing cultivars, 'Sweet Cap' cultivar showed the lowest contents of alcohols in peel and flesh of full ripe fruit but highest in peel of commercial ripe fruit, and lowest content of aldehydes in peel and flesh of commercial ripe fruit but highest in peel of ripe ones and the highest ones of lactones. Among PC, the highest contents were observed for o-diphenols and the values showed varietal influence. Total phenols contents decreased during ripening process (p < 0.05) in both peel and flesh tissues, except found for 'Sweet Cap' cultivar. In conclusion, to achieve better FA composition and greater VC and PC production of the peach fruit, P. persica cultivars should be harvested at the commercial ripening date.
There are prospects for using novel feeds from various sources to provide ruminants with alternat... more There are prospects for using novel feeds from various sources to provide ruminants with alternative sources of protein and energy such as by-products, and animal wastes. Rabbit feces are a concentrated source of fiber and could have commercial potential both as input biomass in anaerobic processes for biogas production, as well as a fibrous source for ruminal degradation. The aims of this work were to assess the potential as ruminant feeding and as biogas production of rabbit feces, in comparison with 12 crops. The chemical composition and the potential and experimental in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of 148 feces samples were determined by using chemical methods, Daisy system digestibility and/or NIRS predictions. The average biomethane potential (BMP) was 286 ± 10 lCH4/kg SV with -4% vs. the crops average. Milk forage unit (milk FU), IVTD and NDFD of feces were 0.54 ± 0.06 milk FU/kg DM, 74% ± 3% and 50% ± 5%, respectively, with...
A chestnut (Castanea sativa) extract (ENC), rich in hydrolysable tannins, was evaluated in rabbit... more A chestnut (Castanea sativa) extract (ENC), rich in hydrolysable tannins, was evaluated in rabbit diets without antibiotics. A total of 72 five week-weaned rabbits were fed as follows: 1) control diet (C); 2) Aminoacid supplemented low protein diet (A); 3) diet A+0.45% ENC (TA); 4) diet C+0.45% ENC (TC). Feeding was modulated in two phases characterised by different levels of CP (DM basis): diet C first period 175 g/kg, second period 197 g/kg vs. diet A first period 145 g/kg, second period 159 g/kg. The ENC was extracted from chestnut wood by a heat and low-pressure treatment, and only the water - soluble fraction was kept and subsequently dehydrated. The product is commercially available as fine brown powder (92 to 95% dry matter) with a pure tannin content of 77% on a DM basis. The trial was carried out in full summer conditions. The productive traits were recorded each 14 days. ENC inclusion did not have any negative effects on the productive parameters, while low protein AA supp...
ABSTRACT The effects of different slaughtering methods on rigor mortis and flesh quality paramete... more ABSTRACT The effects of different slaughtering methods on rigor mortis and flesh quality parameters were investigated. Eighty tench were divided into four groups, whereby each group was slaughtered using a different method: percussive stunning (PS), live chilling (LC), asphyxia (CO2), or electrical stunning (ES). Progression of rigor mortis (RM) was recorded (30 h) as well as pH, colour, cooking losses, texture, drip losses and free water after 24 h of storage at +2°C. The PS group showed a delayed onset of RM when compared to the other groups and with a later beginning of rigor resolution. The highest rigor index values were shown in the PS and CO2 groups, and were reached at 24 and 20 h post-mortem, respectively. ES fish exhibited a significantly faster rigor onset when compared to the PS group. At 24 h, pH was not affected by the stunning methodology, nor were the colour or texture characteristics, even when a trend was observed (PS>ES>CO2>LC) for the latter parameter. This research is evidence of how stunning procedures prior to slaughter have a significant effect on rigor mortis development, whereas no differences were found concerning quality parameters.
In this study, the effects of the inclusion of artichoke bracts (AB) in rabbit diets on the carca... more In this study, the effects of the inclusion of artichoke bracts (AB) in rabbit diets on the carcass characteristics and rabbit meat quality were studied. A total of 120 rabbits aged 38 days were used and divided into three groups that were fed with different isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets supplemented with AB at 0%, 5% and 10%. The animals were single housed in wire cages at a temperature of 22±2°C and had free access to clean drinking water. At 96 days of age, 12 rabbits/group were slaughtered in an experimental slaughterhouse without fasting. The carcass was weighed and the weights of the skin and full gastrointestinal tract were recorded. Carcasses were chilled at +4°C for 24 h in a refrigerated room. The chilled carcass weight (CCW), dressing out percentage (CCW as percentage of slaughter weight), and the ratio of the head and liver were determined as a percentage of CCW. The reference carcass weight was also calculated. Carcasses were halved and the two longissimus dorsi (...
The aim of this study was to determine how a feeding plan characterized by different levels of to... more The aim of this study was to determine how a feeding plan characterized by different levels of tomato pomace (TP) supplementation influences the carcass characteristics, the chemical, physical and sensorial characteristics of rabbit meat. 144 weaned crossbred rabbits were divided into three groups of 48 each. The first group was fed a basal diet without TP, while the other two groups were fed the basal diet after replacing part of the diet with TP at 3% and 6%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the experimental groups in terms of live and carcass weights. The meat of rabbits fed on a 6% TP diet exhibited higher yellowness (b*) and Chroma values when compared to others. The saturated fatty acid content in the longissimus dorsi muscle and perirenal fat decreased significantly with increasing TP inclusion, while polyunsaturated fatty acids increased. Furthermore, our results indicate that a diet integrated with 6% TP could influence positively the overall prefere...
1350 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), of initial live weight of about 90 g, were fed using th... more 1350 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), of initial live weight of about 90 g, were fed using the same quantity of pellet in one or two meals per day. Fish receiving one meal were fed at 9:00 a.m. (A) or at 4:00 p.m. (C), while fish receiving two meals were fed at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (B). Productive traits, body
Seventy two male Bianca Italiana rabbits were used to study the effects of the inclusion (0%, 0.5... more Seventy two male Bianca Italiana rabbits were used to study the effects of the inclusion (0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) of a natural extract of chestnut wood (Silvafeed ENC) in the diet on productive traits, carcass characteristics, meat quality, lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat. Results showed ENC had no significant effect on live weight, productive traits, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, skin weight, pH, cooking losses, shear force and colour. The iron content was higher in Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of rabbit fed the ENC 1.0% diet than the control group. TBARS average values in the group ENC 0.5% were significantly lower (P<0.05) than in the control and ENC 1.0% groups. Myristic acid (C14:0; P<0.01), palmitoleic acid (C16:1 cis-9; P<0.05) and pentadecanoic acid (C15:0; P<0.01) contents were lower in LTL muscle of rabbits fed the ENC 1.0% diet, whereas the palmitic acid (C16:0) content was higher (P<0.05) in the rabbits of this group. Moreover, the rabbits fed with the ENC 0.5% diet had lower (P<0.01) levels of trans-vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans-11) compared to rabbits fed with the control diet. No significant differences were observed in saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, as well as in PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios among the groups.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 2013
In 2007 and 2008, renal stone formation and kidney damage in human infants were linked to consump... more In 2007 and 2008, renal stone formation and kidney damage in human infants were linked to consumption of melamine (MEL)-contaminated infant formula, as well as renal failure and death in pets due to pet food containing both MEL and cyanuric acid (CYA). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MEL and CYA administered individually or in combination on concentrations of certain metabolites and enzyme activities that serve as markers for oxidative stress in kidney and liver of rainbow trout. In addition, the levels of muscle MEL and renal crystal formation were determined. Trout were fed MEL and/or CYA for 8 wk at 250, 500, or 1000 mg of each compound/kg in feed. Fish muscle residues of MEL exhibited a dose-response relationship. Coexposure of trout to MEL and CYA at the highest dose led to lower MEL residue concentrations in muscle compared to exposure to MEL alone. Renal MEL-CYA complexes were found in kidneys of fish treated with combined MEL and CYA. A dose response was evident with respect to both (1) number of trout displaying renal crystals and (2) number of crystals per fish. Changes in concentration of antioxidant parameters, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, were recorded in both tissues of MEL- and CYA-dosed trout. Lipid peroxidation was more pronounced in kidney than liver. Therefore, feed contaminated with both MEL and CYA could be problematic for fish, as MEL administered to trout, individually or in combination with CYA, may facilitate the onset of oxidative damage in trout.
Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with div... more Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with diverse biological properties and functions. Fatty acids (FA), phenolic compounds (PC) and volatile compounds (VC) of flesh and peel from three Prunus persica cultivars were evaluated at the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research - Experimental Farm (Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia) during two maturation stages. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids are the most abundant FA in Prunus persica cultivars. A genetic effect on FA composition was observed throughout the two sampling periods. Peel was rich in oleic acid with the highest content (31.3% on total FA) in 'O'Henry' cultivar at the commercial ripening date; flesh was rich in linoleic acid with the highest content (44.7% on total FA) in 'Sweet Cap' cultivar at the full ripening date. The monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios were higher in the commercial ripe than in the full ripe fruits. The analysis of the composition of the VC led to the characterization of 98 different compounds, showing a very high variability among the cultivars. The full ripe fruit (peel and flesh) exhibited the highest total number of terpenoids. Commercial ripe peels were richest in the percentage of hydrocarbons. Comparing cultivars, 'Sweet Cap' cultivar showed the lowest contents of alcohols in peel and flesh of full ripe fruit but highest in peel of commercial ripe fruit, and lowest content of aldehydes in peel and flesh of commercial ripe fruit but highest in peel of ripe ones and the highest ones of lactones. Among PC, the highest contents were observed for o-diphenols and the values showed varietal influence. Total phenols contents decreased during ripening process (p < 0.05) in both peel and flesh tissues, except found for 'Sweet Cap' cultivar. In conclusion, to achieve better FA composition and greater VC and PC production of the peach fruit, P. persica cultivars should be harvested at the commercial ripening date.
There are prospects for using novel feeds from various sources to provide ruminants with alternat... more There are prospects for using novel feeds from various sources to provide ruminants with alternative sources of protein and energy such as by-products, and animal wastes. Rabbit feces are a concentrated source of fiber and could have commercial potential both as input biomass in anaerobic processes for biogas production, as well as a fibrous source for ruminal degradation. The aims of this work were to assess the potential as ruminant feeding and as biogas production of rabbit feces, in comparison with 12 crops. The chemical composition and the potential and experimental in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of 148 feces samples were determined by using chemical methods, Daisy system digestibility and/or NIRS predictions. The average biomethane potential (BMP) was 286 ± 10 lCH4/kg SV with -4% vs. the crops average. Milk forage unit (milk FU), IVTD and NDFD of feces were 0.54 ± 0.06 milk FU/kg DM, 74% ± 3% and 50% ± 5%, respectively, with...
A chestnut (Castanea sativa) extract (ENC), rich in hydrolysable tannins, was evaluated in rabbit... more A chestnut (Castanea sativa) extract (ENC), rich in hydrolysable tannins, was evaluated in rabbit diets without antibiotics. A total of 72 five week-weaned rabbits were fed as follows: 1) control diet (C); 2) Aminoacid supplemented low protein diet (A); 3) diet A+0.45% ENC (TA); 4) diet C+0.45% ENC (TC). Feeding was modulated in two phases characterised by different levels of CP (DM basis): diet C first period 175 g/kg, second period 197 g/kg vs. diet A first period 145 g/kg, second period 159 g/kg. The ENC was extracted from chestnut wood by a heat and low-pressure treatment, and only the water - soluble fraction was kept and subsequently dehydrated. The product is commercially available as fine brown powder (92 to 95% dry matter) with a pure tannin content of 77% on a DM basis. The trial was carried out in full summer conditions. The productive traits were recorded each 14 days. ENC inclusion did not have any negative effects on the productive parameters, while low protein AA supp...
ABSTRACT The effects of different slaughtering methods on rigor mortis and flesh quality paramete... more ABSTRACT The effects of different slaughtering methods on rigor mortis and flesh quality parameters were investigated. Eighty tench were divided into four groups, whereby each group was slaughtered using a different method: percussive stunning (PS), live chilling (LC), asphyxia (CO2), or electrical stunning (ES). Progression of rigor mortis (RM) was recorded (30 h) as well as pH, colour, cooking losses, texture, drip losses and free water after 24 h of storage at +2°C. The PS group showed a delayed onset of RM when compared to the other groups and with a later beginning of rigor resolution. The highest rigor index values were shown in the PS and CO2 groups, and were reached at 24 and 20 h post-mortem, respectively. ES fish exhibited a significantly faster rigor onset when compared to the PS group. At 24 h, pH was not affected by the stunning methodology, nor were the colour or texture characteristics, even when a trend was observed (PS>ES>CO2>LC) for the latter parameter. This research is evidence of how stunning procedures prior to slaughter have a significant effect on rigor mortis development, whereas no differences were found concerning quality parameters.
In this study, the effects of the inclusion of artichoke bracts (AB) in rabbit diets on the carca... more In this study, the effects of the inclusion of artichoke bracts (AB) in rabbit diets on the carcass characteristics and rabbit meat quality were studied. A total of 120 rabbits aged 38 days were used and divided into three groups that were fed with different isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets supplemented with AB at 0%, 5% and 10%. The animals were single housed in wire cages at a temperature of 22±2°C and had free access to clean drinking water. At 96 days of age, 12 rabbits/group were slaughtered in an experimental slaughterhouse without fasting. The carcass was weighed and the weights of the skin and full gastrointestinal tract were recorded. Carcasses were chilled at +4°C for 24 h in a refrigerated room. The chilled carcass weight (CCW), dressing out percentage (CCW as percentage of slaughter weight), and the ratio of the head and liver were determined as a percentage of CCW. The reference carcass weight was also calculated. Carcasses were halved and the two longissimus dorsi (...
The aim of this study was to determine how a feeding plan characterized by different levels of to... more The aim of this study was to determine how a feeding plan characterized by different levels of tomato pomace (TP) supplementation influences the carcass characteristics, the chemical, physical and sensorial characteristics of rabbit meat. 144 weaned crossbred rabbits were divided into three groups of 48 each. The first group was fed a basal diet without TP, while the other two groups were fed the basal diet after replacing part of the diet with TP at 3% and 6%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the experimental groups in terms of live and carcass weights. The meat of rabbits fed on a 6% TP diet exhibited higher yellowness (b*) and Chroma values when compared to others. The saturated fatty acid content in the longissimus dorsi muscle and perirenal fat decreased significantly with increasing TP inclusion, while polyunsaturated fatty acids increased. Furthermore, our results indicate that a diet integrated with 6% TP could influence positively the overall prefere...
1350 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), of initial live weight of about 90 g, were fed using th... more 1350 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), of initial live weight of about 90 g, were fed using the same quantity of pellet in one or two meals per day. Fish receiving one meal were fed at 9:00 a.m. (A) or at 4:00 p.m. (C), while fish receiving two meals were fed at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (B). Productive traits, body
Forty-one rabbit farms, three laboratory animal centers and two slaughterhouses were interviewed ... more Forty-one rabbit farms, three laboratory animal centers and two slaughterhouses were interviewed to study on social network and to reveal current status of meat rabbit production in Central, Western and Eastern Thailand. Two slaughterhouses are key actors in the social network which are in the middle between farmers. Wood planks, ferrous metals and welded mesh are used to build cages inside open-housing system. Restriction of commercial pelleted diets at 70-80% is practiced with or without tropical forage supplementation. Lactating does and fattening rabbits at late period fed ad libitum. New Zealand White, Flemish giant and crossbreed of them are normally used. Rabbit production in Thailand is an extensive system without artificial insemination. Re-breeding is performed at 30-35 days after kindling with 35-45 weaning days. The length of fattening period is 75 days to reach slaughter weight at two kilograms. There is a little use of medication during the production. Around 17,000 fattening rabbits were produced per year from this study network. The demand is higher than supply which is suggested by the slaughterhouse owners. Rabbit meat is sold to local markets, hotels, restaurants and commercial stores, whereas rabbit faeces are used as fertilizers. The further study on market size and productivity throughout Thailand should perform to understand consumer demand and to set up promotional strategies.
Medical plants with anti-microbial properties have been used as an animal diet supplementation, t... more Medical plants with anti-microbial properties have been used as an animal diet supplementation, to improve the performance and health in commercial and organic livestock productions. One of the medical plant, Lythrum salicaria (LS; purple loosestrife), was discovered those activities from their extracted compounds. Balanced microbial community in rabbit gastrointestinal tract have important role to provide the healthy condition. Therefore, the effect from dietary LS on performance and on gut microbiota were the objective of this research. One hundred and sixty Hycole weaned rabbits (35-day-old) were randomly decided into four groups which included one control and three treatment groups. Respectively, 0.2%, 0.4% dry powder of LS and CUNIREL (CR; the commercial phyto-additive mixture from Biotrade®, Italy, contained the LS as the main ingredient) were added in the treatment diets. Performance data were recorded at 1, 21 and 49 days after experiment beginning. For microbial diversity analysis, hard feces from 10 systemic random sampling rabbits, were collected seperately at 35, 42, 49, 56, 70 and 89 days of age, whereas caecal contents were taken at slaughter day (89-day-old). After that, samples which in the same group, collected site and collected date were pooled for further molecular analysis. The microbiota were assessed at species level by using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA gene. There were not statistically significant differences on performances (weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, morbidity, mortality and health risk index) between the control and treatment groups. The dendrogram generated by using DGGE profiles of 16S rRNA fragments show that the similarity between rabbit fed with LS and commercial product were higher if compared with conventional diet. On the other hand we found an high similarity between samples obtained from caecal content and hard feces at the end of the experiment whereas no any adverse effects from dietary LS were found on rabbit’s performance
The use of synthetic antioxidants is one of the major strategies for preventing lipid oxidation p... more The use of synthetic antioxidants is one of the major strategies for preventing lipid oxidation problems in meat products. In order to extend the shelf life, current recommendations restrict synthetic food additives and encourage their replacement by naturally-occurring ingredients with similar functions. Hence, there is a growing interest in natural antioxidants in meat products. In this context, the use of bilberry pomace (BP) and artichoke bracts (AB) by-products powders as source of natural antioxidant in ground rabbit meat stored at 4°C for 12 days was evaluated. The following seven treatments were tested: group 1-Control (rabbit meat without salt and natural antioxidant), group 2-S (2% w/w of salt), group 3-BHT (2% w/w of BHT), group 4-AB0.5 (2% w/w of salt and 0.5% w/w of AB), group 5- AB1 (2% w/w of salt and 1% w/w of AB), group 6- BP0.5 (2% w/w of salt and 0.5% w/w of BP) and group 7- BP1 (2% w/w of salt and 1% w/w of BP). The water and lipid content, pH value, lipid oxidation, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were determined. Two-way ANOVA was performed to study the full factorial design (treatment and storage time). Results showed a significant interaction of storage time and antioxidant treatment on the water and lipid content of the studied samples. Rabbit meats treated with AB and BP showed a decrease in their pH values during storage independently of theconcentration. In addition, they showed higher phenolic levels and therefore a higher antioxidant activity. The oxidation process was significantly (P<0.05) delayed by the type of antioxidant and its concentration. Therefore, it was concluded that AB and BP have the potential to be successfully used as natural antioxidants to minimize the lipid oxidation of rabbit meat stored at refrigerated temperature.
Echinacea pallida (EP), with immunomodulation and anti-oxidative properties, was selected to
stu... more Echinacea pallida (EP), with immunomodulation and anti-oxidative properties, was selected to
study the effects on performances, carcass characteristics and immunity. Twenty mature Grimaud
does were randomly divided into two groups of ten which were fed a commercial basal diet
without integration of EP (untreated does, C) or with 0.3 mg/kg of EP (treated does, E) for 96
days from 98 days of age. At second parturition, eighty kittens (35-day-old) from 194-day-old
does were randomly separated into four groups of twenty and fed a growing commercial basal
diet with (with 0.3 mg/kg of EP) or without the integration as follow: CC (basal diet from the C
does), CE (treated diet from the C does), EC (basal diet from the E does) and EE (treated diet
from the E does). Performances and health status were evaluated from weaning to 77 days old. At
89-day-old, ten rabbits from each group were selected for slaughter to perform carcass
characteristic analyses and phagocytosis test. At 95 days of age, the remaining ten rabbits per
group were treated with a vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. The serum were
collected at 88, 102, 109, 116 and 123 days of age to evaluate specific antibody responses. Twoway
ANOVA was performed (maternal and diet effect as fixed factors). In conclusion, the dietary
supplementation by EP in does promoted heavier SW and higher ADG in their kittens, whereas
treated diets fed to fattening rabbits, induced a decrease of SW, a higher FCR and a phagocytic
activity improvement.
A trial was performed to evaluate bilberry pomace (BP) as alternative source of nutrients for rab... more A trial was performed to evaluate bilberry pomace (BP) as alternative source of nutrients for rabbits. One hundred and forty-four Grimaud weaned rabbits were divided into 4 groups of 36 animals each and fed ad libitum with a basal diet (BP0) tested against three assay diets developed by substituting 50, 100 and 150 g/kg of the BP0 diet with BP (BP5, BP10 and BP15 diets, respectively). Carcass characteristics of rabbits were not affected by treatment, with the exception of liver weight. Dietary inclusion of BP did not affect proximate composition and oxidative status of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. Dietary BP significantly ameliorated, in the same muscle, the nutritional quality and health properties of fat. Consumer acceptance of cooked rabbit meat was not signifi- cantly affected by treatment. In conclusion, BP can be included in rabbit diets to improve the lipid composition of meat, without adverse effects on carcass characteristics, other physico-chemical properties, oxidative status and meat sensorial traits.
In this study, 160 Hycole weaned rabbits (35 days old) were randomly divided into four groups of ... more In this study, 160 Hycole weaned rabbits (35 days old) were randomly divided into four groups of 40. The rabbits were studied throughout a 54-day experimentation period in order to determine the impact of dietary supplementation from herbs composed of 0.2%, 0.4% dry ground Lythrum salicaria leaves (LS) and 0.3% Cunirel® (CR; a commercial herb mixture containing LS as the main ingredient) on performance, digestibility, health and meat quality. The basal diet was given to the control group. No significant differences were found in performance, 10 rabbits from each group were selected for evaluation regarding apparent digestibility. The rabbits fed the control diet and the diet with the low level of LS had a higher level of CP digestibility than did the animals that were supplemented with the high LS levels and CR (85.7% and 84.9% v. 84.0% and 84.0%, respectively; P<0.05). The ether extract digestibility was lower in the treatment group with 0.4%LS addition and CR as compared with the control group (52.2% and 54.5% v. 62.6%, respectively; P<0.05). The slaughter process was performed on 89-day-old rabbits to study the carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood parameters, caecal contents and gut histology. The total leukocyte counts in the control animals were lower than they were in the rabbits fed 0.2%, 0.4%LS and CR (4.06 v. 8.25, 8.63 and 8.21×109/l, respectively; P<0.05). For caecal fermentation, the caecal contents of the rabbits fed 0.4% of LS, showed higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA; 24.1 v. 18.9 mg/kg dry matter (DM); P<0.05) and acetic acid (18.3 v. 14.4 mg/kg DM; P<0.05), but lower ammonia levels (594 v. 892 mg/kg DM; P<0.05) as compared with the control group. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses were performed to evaluate the microbial community in hard faeces, collected at days 35, 42, 49, 56, 70 and 89, whereas the caecal contents were taken after slaughtering. The results demonstrated that between the treatment groups, the similarity of the microbial communities was higher as compared with the control group. Moreover, only age was shown to influence microbiota diversity. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that supplementation of LS in rabbit diets leads to an increase in the total white blood cells, total VFA and acetic acid concentration, and a decrease in the ammonia levels, as well as the digestibility when CR and high level of LS were supplemented, without causing any adverse effects on other parameters.
Echinacea pallida (EPAL), also known as pale purple coneflower, is a herbaceous flowering plant w... more Echinacea pallida (EPAL), also known as pale purple coneflower, is a herbaceous flowering plant with immune-enhancement and antioxidative properties. The effect of EPAL on the reproductive performance, serum biochemistry and haematological parameters of rabbit does has been studied here. A total of 100, 21-week-old Grimaud rabbit does, were randomly assigned to two groups. One group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EPAL/kg diet (Echinacea group, E), while the other was fed the basal diet without the supplementation (control group, C). The reproductive performance of the does was not affected by the treatment ( P>0.05). The haematological parameters of pregnant rabbits showed that there was no interaction between gestation day and treatment. The EPAL supplementation induced a reduction (−47.3%) in the basophil cell rate (0.55% and 0.29%, for the control and treatment groups, respectively; P = 0.049). The gestation day significantly affected most of the haematological parameters ( P<0.05). The white blood cell counts declined progressively after day 14. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume and eosinophils increased steadily throughout the study, and reached a maximum value on day 28. The red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and neutrophils increased slightly up to day 14, and then subsequently decreased progressively until day 28. The lymphocytes and platelet distribution width decreased until day 14, and then increased to a maximum value on day 28. No significant effect of gestation day or treatment was observed on the blood serum chemistry. As far as the immune parameters are concerned, no significant differences were observed between groups, while a significant effect of gestation day was observed for lysozymes (6.02 v. 7.99 v. 1.91; for 0, 14 and 28 days, respectively; P = 0.014). In conclusion, a lack of effect of EPAL has been observed. In fact, no impacts of EPAL have been observed on the reproductive or haematological parameters of the does. The effects of dietary supplementation with EPAL on the performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity in growing rabbits are reported in the second part of this study.
Echinacea pallida (EPAL), a herbaceous flowering plant with immunomodulatory properties, has been... more Echinacea pallida (EPAL), a herbaceous flowering plant with immunomodulatory properties, has been chosen to determine the pre- and post-supplementary effects on the growth performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity of growing rabbits. The same Grimaud does (14-week-old) from the studied in the first part of this study were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50/group). The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (Control group, C) while the another group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EPAL/kg diet (Echinacea group, E). From the second parturition, 80 weaned kits (40 from the C does and 40 from the E does) were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 animals each and were fed a growing commercial diet supplemented with or without a 3 g EPAL/kg diet: the CC group (rabbits from the C does fed the control diet), CE group (rabbits from the C does fed the supplemented diet), EC (rabbits from the E does fed the control diet) and EE group (rabbits from the E does fed the supplemented diet). The dietary EPAL treatment did not affect the growth performance. Ten fattening rabbits from each group were selected to evaluate the bacterial community and blood parameters, while the remaining rabbits (n = 10/group) were used to study phagocytosis and the humoral immune response. The variability was evaluated from hard faeces at 35, 49 and 89 days, and the caecal content at 89 days. The variability of the bacterial community of the EE group was higher than that of the other groups. The phagocytic activity was higher in the CE and EE groups than in the CC and EC ones (30.9 and 29.7 v. 21.2 and 21.8%; P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed for the blood parameters or humoral immune response against vaccination (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus) at 95 days old which the serum was collected at 88, 102, 109, 116 and 123 days old. In conclusion, no impact of EPAL dietary supplementation has been observed on the growth performances, bacterial community, blood parameters or humoral immune responses in growing rabbits, except for an increase in phagocytic activities.
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study the effects on performances, carcass characteristics and immunity. Twenty mature Grimaud
does were randomly divided into two groups of ten which were fed a commercial basal diet
without integration of EP (untreated does, C) or with 0.3 mg/kg of EP (treated does, E) for 96
days from 98 days of age. At second parturition, eighty kittens (35-day-old) from 194-day-old
does were randomly separated into four groups of twenty and fed a growing commercial basal
diet with (with 0.3 mg/kg of EP) or without the integration as follow: CC (basal diet from the C
does), CE (treated diet from the C does), EC (basal diet from the E does) and EE (treated diet
from the E does). Performances and health status were evaluated from weaning to 77 days old. At
89-day-old, ten rabbits from each group were selected for slaughter to perform carcass
characteristic analyses and phagocytosis test. At 95 days of age, the remaining ten rabbits per
group were treated with a vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. The serum were
collected at 88, 102, 109, 116 and 123 days of age to evaluate specific antibody responses. Twoway
ANOVA was performed (maternal and diet effect as fixed factors). In conclusion, the dietary
supplementation by EP in does promoted heavier SW and higher ADG in their kittens, whereas
treated diets fed to fattening rabbits, induced a decrease of SW, a higher FCR and a phagocytic
activity improvement.
and forty-four Grimaud weaned rabbits were divided into 4 groups of 36 animals each and fed ad libitum with a
basal diet (BP0) tested against three assay diets developed by substituting 50, 100 and 150 g/kg of the BP0 diet
with BP (BP5, BP10 and BP15 diets, respectively). Carcass characteristics of rabbits were not affected by treatment,
with the exception of liver weight. Dietary inclusion of BP did not affect proximate composition and oxidative
status of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. Dietary BP significantly ameliorated, in the same muscle,
the nutritional quality and health properties of fat. Consumer acceptance of cooked rabbit meat was not signifi-
cantly affected by treatment. In conclusion, BP can be included in rabbit diets to improve the lipid composition of
meat, without adverse effects on carcass characteristics, other physico-chemical properties, oxidative status and
meat sensorial traits.
antioxidative properties. The effect of EPAL on the reproductive performance, serum biochemistry and haematological parameters
of rabbit does has been studied here. A total of 100, 21-week-old Grimaud rabbit does, were randomly assigned to two groups.
One group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EPAL/kg diet (Echinacea group, E), while the other was fed the basal diet
without the supplementation (control group, C). The reproductive performance of the does was not affected by the treatment
( P>0.05). The haematological parameters of pregnant rabbits showed that there was no interaction between gestation day and
treatment. The EPAL supplementation induced a reduction (−47.3%) in the basophil cell rate (0.55% and 0.29%, for the control
and treatment groups, respectively; P = 0.049). The gestation day significantly affected most of the haematological parameters
( P<0.05). The white blood cell counts declined progressively after day 14. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular
haemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume and eosinophils increased steadily throughout the
study, and reached a maximum value on day 28. The red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and
neutrophils increased slightly up to day 14, and then subsequently decreased progressively until day 28. The lymphocytes and
platelet distribution width decreased until day 14, and then increased to a maximum value on day 28. No significant effect of
gestation day or treatment was observed on the blood serum chemistry. As far as the immune parameters are concerned, no
significant differences were observed between groups, while a significant effect of gestation day was observed for lysozymes
(6.02 v. 7.99 v. 1.91; for 0, 14 and 28 days, respectively; P = 0.014). In conclusion, a lack of effect of EPAL has been observed.
In fact, no impacts of EPAL have been observed on the reproductive or haematological parameters of the does. The effects of
dietary supplementation with EPAL on the performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity in growing rabbits
are reported in the second part of this study.
pre- and post-supplementary effects on the growth performances, bacterial community, blood parameters and immunity of growing
rabbits. The same Grimaud does (14-week-old) from the studied in the first part of this study were randomly divided into two
groups (n = 50/group). The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (Control group, C) while the another group
was fed a basal diet supplemented with 3 g EPAL/kg diet (Echinacea group, E). From the second parturition, 80 weaned kits
(40 from the C does and 40 from the E does) were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 animals each and were fed a growing
commercial diet supplemented with or without a 3 g EPAL/kg diet: the CC group (rabbits from the C does fed the control diet),
CE group (rabbits from the C does fed the supplemented diet), EC (rabbits from the E does fed the control diet) and EE group
(rabbits from the E does fed the supplemented diet). The dietary EPAL treatment did not affect the growth performance. Ten
fattening rabbits from each group were selected to evaluate the bacterial community and blood parameters, while the remaining
rabbits (n = 10/group) were used to study phagocytosis and the humoral immune response. The variability was evaluated from
hard faeces at 35, 49 and 89 days, and the caecal content at 89 days. The variability of the bacterial community of the EE group
was higher than that of the other groups. The phagocytic activity was higher in the CE and EE groups than in the CC and EC ones
(30.9 and 29.7 v. 21.2 and 21.8%; P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed for the blood parameters
or humoral immune response against vaccination (rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus) at 95 days old which the serum was collected
at 88, 102, 109, 116 and 123 days old. In conclusion, no impact of EPAL dietary supplementation has been observed on the
growth performances, bacterial community, blood parameters or humoral immune responses in growing rabbits, except for an
increase in phagocytic activities.