Effect of inulin and mannan-oligosaccharides compared with zinc-bacitracin on growing performance, nutrient digestibility and hematological profiles of growing rabbits

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of inulin and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) vs zinc-bacitracin (ZnB) on rabbit growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles. In total, 108 rabbits 32 days of age were divided into four homogeneous groups fed the same basal diet and submitted to the following dietary treatments: control group, without supplementation; inulin group, supplemented with inulin (0.25 g/rabbit.day); MOS group, supplemented with MOS (0.083 g/rabbit.day); and ZnB group, supplemented with ZnB (0.083 g/rabbit.day). The supplements were administered 2 days per week from 32 to 81 days of age. At 32, 56 and 81 days, the rabbits were weighed and feed intake was measured. Mortality was recorded daily. Nutrient digestibility was measured at 65 days by an ingesta–excreta balance. Samples of blood were collected at 53, 67 and 81 days of age. The control group showed the highest (P < 0.01) mortality rate throughout the trial (17.0%), followed by ZnB (8.18%), inulin (3.7%) and then the MOS group, which had the lowest mortality (1.6%; P < 0.01). Addition of MOS led to a more favourable (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio than addition of ZnB at 32–56 days of age and inulin for the entire trial period. The MOS group showed increased (P < 0.01) digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ash and crude fibre relative to the control group. All supplements increased (P < 0.01) protein digestibility relative to the control. The level of alanine aminotransferase was reduced due to the use of feed supplements, and MOS supplementation gave the lowest (P < 0.01) value. Administration of prebiotics to growing rabbits as an alternative to ZnB can lead some advantages compared with both antibiotic and unsupplemented diets; MOS was more effective than inulin.

Use of food waste as fish feeds: effects of prebiotic fibers (inulin and mannanoligosaccharide) on growth and non-specific immunity of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

“…In order to further upgrade the food waste diets, prebiotic fibers were incorporated into the diets to investigate their effects on fish growth as well as non-specific immune response. Prebiotic fiber has been suggested as an alternative to replace antibiotics, for improving the health of animals (Attia et al 2014(Attia et al , 2015aRingø et al 2010). This is because there are many problems associated with the use of antimicrobial agents in aquaculture.…”

“…Inulin is commonly found in different plant species. Various studies had shown that inulin supplement could have positive effects on animal growth and/or innate immune response (Attia et al 2015a;Ibrahem et al 2010). Ibrahem et al (2010) reported that Nile tilapia treated with 5 g inulin per kg diet had significantly higher body weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, survival rate, and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) value.…”

Treatment of poultry litter does not improve performance or carcass lesions in broilers

“…The cost of the feed offered (FO) was R$ 0.70/kg, and the gross margin (GM) was calculated by subtracting the costs of bedding and FO from the SP. The methodology was based on a study by Attia et al (2014), as follow: …”

Effects of Fennel Seed Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Economic Efficiency of Broilers under Thermoneutral and Chronic Heat Stress Conditions

“…The first group was placed in an independent temperature-controlled room at 23 ± 2 • C. The broiler chicks from the second group were placed in a heat-stressed room and exposed to chronic heat stress conditions (32 ± 2 • C) for seven hours per day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The indoor relative humidity and temperature under thermoneutral conditions during the experimental period for the broiler was 51.2% and 23.1 • C, 57% and 23.9 • C, and 53% and 24.7 • C during days [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33], and 34-41 of age, respectively. Under chronic heat stress conditions, the indoor relative humidity and temperature was 44.9% and 31.5 • C, 47.8% and 31.8 • C, and 41.8% and 31.9 • C during days [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33], and 34-41 of age, respectively.…”