Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplementation on some serum electrolytes in rabbits. Sixty (60) weaned crossbred rabbits aged between 5-6 weeks, with live weight of 612.73 ± 60.84 g were used in this study. A total of 60 rabbits were divided into five treatment groups: TRT1 receiving control diet- without supplementation of SC, and TRT2, TRT3, TRT4 and TRT5 receiving the control diet supplemented with SC at the rate of 20, 40, 60 and 80 g per kg for 8 weeks (corresponding to 2, 4, 6 and 8 × 10⁹ colony-forming unit/kg, respectively). The concentrations of Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺) and Bicarbonate (HCO₃^?) in serum were not affected, but Chloride (Cl^?) concentration rose (P < 0.05) as the SC inclusion level increased. Although further studies are required, baker’s yeast containing SC could contribute to stabilizing the mineral balance in rabbits.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.