In vitro and in vivo characterization of galactomannanes extracted from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) for young rabbit nutrition.

Abstract

This thesis tackles the possible characterisation and utilisation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed gum (FSG) in the nutrition of young rabbits during the post-weaning period as an alternative to antimicrobials uses. The study was focussed on the behaviour of the extracted gum with different dietary fibre levels, both in vitro and in vivo.In a first trial, starting from a basal commercial rabbit diet, three experimental diets were formulated with gradual levels of inclusion of FSG (0, 0.25, 0.50 %)given to three groups of rabbits starting from weaning at 31 days old to slaughter 94 days old. The effect of the experimental diets was studied on the faecal