This study aimed to characterize rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) production systems during two periods of the year: almost hot weather (from April to September 2021) and almost cold weather (from October 2021 to March 2022). A survey was conducted in two governorates, El-Minya and Al-Qalubia, through semi-structured interviews with a questionnaire. Three types of production systems were identified: family (66%), semi-commercial (22%), and commercial (12%). The commercial rabbit production system had the highest significant average number (153.13) compared to the semi-commercial system (18.90) and family system (2.29). Although the average doe number was slightly higher in the almost cold period (63.64) than in the almost hot period (52.77), no significant differences were observed. The majority of householders in the family system (52.38%) and semi-commercial system (80.95%) housed their rabbits in rooms inside their homes, while 86.96% of householders in the commercial system used separate rabbit houses for their rabbits. Most farmers (87.30%) reared their rabbits on the floor under a family system. Battery cages was the most predominant form of rearing being 83.33% and 95.65% for the semi-commercial and commercial system; respectively. In conclusion, rabbit production is typically a family system with a tendency to become semi-commercial. Rabbit housing systems vary according to the available resources and the applied production system. Different rearing systems and seasonal variations can affect the rabbit flock structure.

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This study was carried out to investigate the effect of supplemental macroalgae (Padina baergensenii) and microalgae (spirulina) as feed additives on body performance, some blood plasma constituents of Frafra male lambs. Twenty Frafra male lambs 5-6-month-old and with initial live body weight 22.85 ± 0.15 kg were divided into four groups for 120 days feeding trial. The lambs were randomly divided into four equal groups (5 lambs each). Control group (T1) was fed the basal diet, second group (T2) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% microalgae (T2), fed the basal diet supplemented with 2% macroalgae (T3), while (T4) fed on the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% microalgae + 1% macroalgae dry / head/ day. Lambs were weighed to determine performance of growing lambs and adjusted their feeding requirements. Blood samples were collected before morning feeding. Final body weight, total gain and daily gain increased for T2 in comparison with T1, but this was slightly increased not significant. Feed conversion improved slightly for T2 compared with T1 and other treated groups (T3 and T4). Plasma total protein, globulin, ALT and glucose increased significantly (P<0.05) for T2 compared with other groups. Cholesterol decreased significantly for T4 compared with other groups, whereas there is no significant difference among groups for urea and AST concentration. As well as total revenue of body weight gain and net revenue as well as economic efficiency were significantly higher for lambs fed Spirulina algae rations than those of control ration .

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of macroalgae (Halimeda opuntia) and yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae) as feed additives on body performance, some blood plasma constituents, some rumen parameters and nutrients digestibility of growing lambs. Fifteen Ossimi lambs 5-6 months old and 25.51 ± 2 kg live body weight were randomly divided into three equal groups (5 animals each). Control group (CON) was fed the basal diet and other two treatment groups were fed the same basal diet, supplemented with either 1% macroalgae powder (ALG) or 1% yeast culture (YC). Lambs were weighed to determine performance of growing lambs and adjusted the requirement. Blood samples were collected monthly from all animals before morning feeding. Rumen samples were collected to determine ruminal pH values, ammonia-N concentration and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) concentration. The digestibility trials were carried out to evaluate nutrients digestibility of the different experimental rations. Final body weight and total gain not affected by treatments. Lambs of ALG group had the worst feed conversion ratio compared with YC and CON group. Ruminal pH, ammonia-N concentration and TVFAs were not affected by treatments. Dietary yeast or macroalgae increased (P<0.05) blood plasma total protein and albumin concentrations, while decreased (P <0.05) plasma urea -N concentration compared with those of control animals. Dietary macroalgae increased (P<0.05) DM, OM, CP, CF and NFE digestibility compared with YC and CON groups. In conclusion, macroalgae and yeast culture as feed additives may have a beneficial effect on nutrients digestibility and blood metabolites of Ossimi sheep male. .