Efficacy of Glucans on Growth Variables, Antioxidant Potential, and Immunity of Growing Rabbits

Abstract

The goal of this study was to see how dietary -glucan (BG) supplementation affected growth performance, blood biochemicals, and antioxidant capacity in growing NZWrabbits. 75 NZW rabbit females, 6 weeks old, with an average live body weight of 845.3735.23 g. Rabbits were distributed into five experimental groups at random (fifteen rabbits in each group). The control group (G1) received only the basal diet, while the G2, G3, G4, and G5 groups received the basal diet supplemented with BG at 0.5,1.0,1.5, and 2.0 g/kg diet, respectively. Growth performance parameters, blood biochemical, and antioxidant enzymes, and immunity markers in the hepatic tissues were determined. Results show that all BG supplements developed (P<0.05) final weight, and gain without any effects on feed efficiency, and viability, and decreased (P<0.05) concentration of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The effect of BG on serum activity of ALT and AST was not significant. Dietary BG supplementation increased (P<0.05) SOD, CAT, and GPx levels, and decreased (P<0.05) MDA levels in hepatic tissues. Percentage of NBT and ACP level increased (P<0.05) BG groups (G2-G5) in comparing with G1.The current study concludes that β-glucans represent a promising factor for improving antioxidant capacity, immunity, and lipid profile as well as promoting growth performance of growing rabbits, without adverse effects on liver and kidney function and protein metabolism.

Effect of 1,3-Beta Glucans Dietary Addition on the Growth, Intestinal Histology, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Immune Response, and Immune Expression of CD3 and CD20 in Broiler Chickens

“…Chen [ 51 ] observed decreased serum cholesterol levels in broilers after adding chicory-based fructans to the diets. The hypolipidemic effect of dietary GLU was also observed in rabbits [ 52 ]. The hypolipidemic effect of GLU can be explained in three mechanisms; firstly, β-glucan can up-regulate the expression of p-AMPK and p-AKT and down-regulate gene expression of cholesterol synthesis, glycerolipid synthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and gluconeogenesis [ 53 ]; secondly, β-glucan combines with bile acid leading to the reduction of cholesterol levels in the body; thirdly, β-glucan can increases the gastrointestinal tract viscosity and delayed gastric evacuation along with carbohydrate absorption, so dropping the blood sugar and cholesterol levels [ 54 ].…”

“…Besides, the serum total protein level was increased in the GLU-supplemented groups. Other results showed an insignificant effect of β-glucans on total proteins, albumin, globulin, and reduced glucose concentration in the blood serum of growing rabbits [ 52 ]. Tao, et al [ 62 ] and El-Sawy, et al [ 63 ] noticed no effect of yeast β-glucan supplementation on blood levels of total proteins or albumin.…”