Effect of probiotic supplementation on nutrients digestibility and intestinal histomorphology of growing rabbits [electronic resource].

Includes bibliographic reference

This study aimed to investigate how adding probiotics to the diet of growing rabbits affects nutrient digestion and intestinal histomorphology. The experiment involved fifteen New Zealand White rabbits, which were 12 weeks old and weighed an average of 2185 ± 7.99 grams. The rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups and were fed basal diet as a control diet and four supplemented groups with varying levels of probiotics (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2% of dry matter). Nutrient digestibility coefficients were determined by analyzing feed and fecal samples, and the study examined the rabbits’ intestinal morphology. The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased with higher probiotic levels, while the digestibility of crude fiber decreased. Digestibility of crude protein (DCP) and ether extract (DEE) varied with probiotic levels. As probiotic levels increased, digestible energy per kilogram of feed decreased, and daily intake of digestible energy (DEI) showed a downward trend. The ratio of DEI to DCPI varied among the probiotic levels, with the highest value observed at the lowest probiotic level. The probiotic supplementation influenced intestinal histomorphology, with potential improvements in villus height, crypt depth, and mucosal thickness. These alterations in the intestinal region positively affected the nutrient absorption. Overall, the study suggests that dietary probiotic supplementation at levels of 0.05% and 0.1% in growing rabbits can enhance nutrient digestibility and influence the structural characteristics of the intestinal mucosa, potentially improving gastrointestinal health.
Keywords: Probiotic, nutrients digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, New Zealand White rabbits

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