Effect of Aloe vera Gel Supplementation as a Natural Source of Mannan Oligosaccharides on Productive Performance and Oxidative Status of Growing Rabbits

Abstract

This study was conducted to shed more light on the effect of Aloe vera gel (AVG) supplementation as a natural source of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on productive performance and oxidative status of growing rabbits. Sixty unsexed NZW rabbits, about 5 weeks of age with an initial body weight (625±5g) were divided randomly into five equal experimental groups with three replicates of 4 rabbits each. The 1 st group (control) was fed a diet without any supplementation; the 2 nd group fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% mannan oligosaccharides MOS, while AVG was added at levels of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%, respectively at the 3 rd , 4th and 5 th groups. Productive performance traits (body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, relative growth rate, and performance index) were determined during the entire experimental period. At the end of the experimental period, the oxidative status indices were measured in plasma. Results showed that, the best values of productive performance traits were achieved in groups fed a diet supplemented with 0.2% AVG compared to the control. Additionally, rabbits fed diet supplemented with AVG at the level of 0.2% possessed the highest activities of CAT, GPx and SOD followed by those received 0.1% and then those treated by 0.05% respectively, as compared to the negative control group. It could be recommended that, Aloe vera considered a natural source of mannan oligosaccharides and can be used in the diets of growing NZW rabbits as a feed additive up to a level of 0.2% to improve productive performance and oxidative status.