Impacts of algae supplements (Arthrospira & Chlorella) on growth, nutrient variables, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants in New Zealand white rabbits.

An 8-week trial to examine the impacts of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris on the growth, nutrient aspects, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants of 75 New Zealand white male rabbits (initial body weight = 665.93 ± 15.18 g). Herein the study was designed in one-way ANOVA to compare the effects of the two algae species with two levels of supplementations in the feeds of New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into five groups (n = 15/group), where the first group was allocated as the control group (Ctrl) while the second and third groups received A. platensis at 300 or 500 mg/kg diet (Ap300 or Ap500). The fourth and fifth groups fed C. vulgaris at 300 or 500 mg/kg diet (Ch300 or Ch500). The basal diet rabbits exhibited the lowest values of weight, lipase, protease, and the highest feed conversion ratio, which improved noticeably with algae addition, particularly with Ap500, Ch300, and Ch500. All tested groups showed normal intestinal structure. Amylase potency, hematological indicators, and serum biochemistry revealed non-significant variation except for a higher serum total protein and lower total cholesterol in algal groups. The best GPx existed in groups fed algal diets, while favorable SOD and CAT efficiency occurred at the higher level of Arthrospira and both levels of Chlorella. In conclusion, incorporating Arthrospira or Chlorella in the diet of New Zealand white rabbits improved performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants. Arthrospira (Ap500) and Chlorella (Ch300 or Ch500) have almost the same beneficial effect on rabbit performance.

Dietary zinc-chitosan nanoparticles addition influences on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, carcass indices, and immune function in weaned rabbits.

The aim of this study was to study the effect of zinc oxide-chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs) on growth performance, plasma constituents, carcass indices, and immune function in rabbit diets. Eighty weaned V-line males rabbits at 5 weeks of age were divided into four dietary groups of control diet; 50 Zn-CNPs; 75 Zn-CNPs;100 Zn-CNPs. Supplementation of Zn-CNPs did not affect final live body weight and average daily weight gain. 100 ppm Zn-CNPs recorded (p < 0.05) higher digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, and NFE. Dietary groups of 75 and 100 ppm were higher (p < 0.05) in DCP, TDN (%), and DE (kcal/kg). Zn-CNPs supplementation was higher (p < 0.05) in hot carcass and spleen weights %. The addition of Zn-CNPs in diets promoted dressing%. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in plasma total protein and albumin levels for 75 and 100 Zn-CNPs. Zn-CNPs decreased (p < 0.05) glucose, total cholesterol, LDL concentrations and increased (p < 0.05) plasma zinc levels, IgG, IgM. Plasma HDL level increased (p < 0.05) with 75 and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs. In conclusion, Zn-CNPs supplementations can use safely as a zinc source in rabbits diets without any detrimental effects on growth performance, plasma constituents, and carcass indices. Moreover, 50, 75, and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs enhanced the immune functions.