Effect of Adding Moringa Leave-Extract to Growing Rabbits Ratins on Performance, Cecal Microbial Activity and Blood Parameters تأثير إضافة مستخلص أوراق المورينجا لعلائق الارانب النامية على الأداء الانتاجى والنشاط الميکروبي للأعور وبعض خصائص الدم

Abstract

This study aimed to test the effect of adding Moringa leave-extract as a feed additives to growing rabbits rations on performance, cecal activity and blood traits. A total number of 72 growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits at 6 weeks of age were randomly distributed into 3 equal groups for 70 days. The control group was fed a basal diet without additives (ME0); treated groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with either 200mg (ME200) or 400mg (ME400) moringa extract/ kg diet. All animals were almost equal in their initial body weight, but the final body weight increased due to the additive; feed intake followed the opposite pattern; Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better for M400 followed by M200 then M0. Results indicating that adding Moringa extract at the levels of 200 or 400mg improved all the digestion coefficients of all nutrients comparing to the control diet. The heaviest body weight at slaughter was recorded for ME400; followed by M200 then M0. It was evident that feeding moringa leaves extract increased serum total protein at both levels used. Albumin and Globulin followed the same pattern. Cholesterol level decreased significantly due to treatment. Values of AST and ALT enzymes lie between the normal ranges without any adverse effect on liver function. Total VFA in cecum content increased as a result of the dietary treatments; no differences were reported regarding anaerobic and cellulolytic bacterial, however, E. coli, decreased significantly due to dietary treatment indicating that moringa leaf extract had a benefit effect on rabbit hygiene.