Abstract

The aim of the present experiment was to study the synergistic effects of dietary supplementation with coated slow released sodium butyrate (CM3000^®) and a commercial synbiotic (Poultry-Star^®) on the productive performance and intestinal morphometry of the growing rabbits. Thirty two apparently healthy male New Zealand rabbits with average body weight of 544 ± 9 g were divided randomly into four dietary treatments at weaning (28^th day of age). The control group (C) was fed on standard basal diet with no supplementation. Rabbits in the second group (T1) received the same basal diet supplemented with CM3000^® 500 g/ton feed. Animals in the third group (T2) consumed the basal diet containing Poultry-Star^® 500 g/ton feed. Rabbits in the fourth group (T3) were fed on the basal diet enriched with mixture of CM3000^® and Poultry-Star^®, 250 g/ton feed for each. Feed and water were offered ad-libitum during 70 days experimental period. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded biweekly to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion. At the end of the experimental period blood and caecal content samples were collected from all animals. Duodinal tissue samples were collected for histomorphometry. The results revealed that additives used improved significantly live body weight compared to the control group. Rabbits in T3 group showed the highest body weight gain. In addition, supplementation of the basal diet with a mixture of additives revealed significant increase of feed intake. The blood urea level was reduced significantly in bucks of T1. The rabbits in T3 group recorded the highest level of blood glucose. Caecal pH revealed a significant decrease in T1 and T3. The mixture of additives has positive results on the intestinal morphometry. Coated butyrate and synbiotic are capable of improving performance, enhancing intestinal health.

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