Influence of dietary organic acid, probiotic and antioxidant on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing rabbit

This study was conducted to compare the effects of different feed additives namely, organic acid (citric acid), probiotic (navio plus), and antioxidant (Bio-Sel-E) on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing rabbit to convey a clear message on the use of one specific additive in rabbit diet. Thirty-two crossbred New Zealand White growing rabbit (four to five weeks of age) were randomly assigned to four different groups and reared for a period of fifty six days. Rabbit were fed on green grass (Hymenachne pseudointerrupta) and concentrate mixture (2703 Kcal ME/kg, 16.91 % CP). Additives were added at the top of the concentrate mixture, except for the control group. Compared with the control group, rabbit fed different additives showed 9–13% higher growth rate and 7–11% greater growth velocity; and probiotic supplemented group showed the best result (P<0.05) in terms of FCR value. Carcass weight (%) increased significantly in probiotic supplemented group, but numerically in organic acid and antioxidant supplemented groups compared with control group. Abdominal fat (%) was significantly decreased in organic acid, probiotic and antioxidant supplemented groups compared with control, however, lowest value (%) was recorded in probiotic supplemented group. Probiotic showed significant effect on pH decreasing trend in ingesta sample up to small intestine. Crude protein digestibility co-efficient (%) value was significantly higher in probiotic supplemented group, but numerically in organic acid and antioxidant supplemented groups compared with control group. Overall results indicated that, among the three different additives: organic acid, probiotic and antioxidant, probiotic may be considered as the best one for the better performance and nutrient digestibility in growing rabbit. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 51 (2): 55-61.