THE EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF HERBAL EXTRACTS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH STATUS OF RABBITS

Abstract

Seventy two rabbits (Hycole, (♂+♀) 5 weeks old) were divided into 2 experimental (EG) and one control (CG) group. The feed mixture A in control (CG) did not contain any coccidiostat. In the first experimental group (EG1) was tested a complete granulated mixture B enriched with 30 g dry extract Eleutherococcus senticosus per 100 kg mixture. The animals were fed mixture B in combination with probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium EF AL 41 applied orally at a dose (10 9 CFU. ml-1) 500 μl per animal in drinking water during 21 days. In the second group (EG2) was tested complete granulated mixture B. The experiment lasted 42 days. Body weight and feed consumption were registered weekly. Samples of faeces were taken at days 1, 21 and 42 to monitor the counts and effect of natural substances. Blood samples were also taken to check biochemical parameters using commercial kits. The samples for microbiological analyses were treated by the standard microbiological method according to ISO with appropriate media. Results presented in this study introduce different mechanisms of action for different classes of feed additives and how these may influence the observed live performance benefits. Application of Eleutherococcus extract in combination with EF AL 41 strain in rabbits was beneficial for performance. Additives reduced counts of S. aureus and Clostridium-like sp in faeces. Bioactive substances can be beneficial for animal health as was repeatedly confirmed by our results (mortality in EG1- 12%, EG2 - 8% compared to CG- 17%).