Influence of four tropical medicinal and aromatic plants on growth performance, digestibility, and blood constituents of rabbits

Abstract

The present context was aimed to assess the influence of medicinal and aromatic plants supplemented diets on growth performance, digestibility, blood serum constituents, and economic efficiency of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) as a model of livestock animals. A total of forty New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits of 6 weeks of age with an average initial body weight of 837.7 ± 42.4 g were used. Rabbits were distributed into 5 groups (8 rabbits per group). First group served as control (non-supplemented diet), while P1, P2, P3, and P4 groups were supplemented with 1% basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), chamomile flower (Matricaria chamomilla L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), and ginger (Zingiber officinale L.), respectively. The final body weight (13 weeks of age), daily weight gain, daily feed intake, performance index, and feed conversion ratio were increased (P < 0.05) in rabbits fed diet supplemented with fennel (i.e., P3). Digestibility and feeding values were higher (P < 0.05) for P2 and P3 rabbits. Rabbits fed diets supplemented with P1, P2, and P3 excreted higher (in P3) and lower (in P1 and P2) crude protein in soft and hard feces, respectively. Control and P4 group showed the highest (P < 0.05) crude fiber content of soft feces when compared to other groups tested. Most of the carcass traits and blood parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by rabbits fed diet supplemented with P3. Results indicated that 1% fennel could be preferably supplemented in growing rabbit’s basal diets for their enhanced productive performance, economical efficiency, and other essential livestock parameters.