Impact of Bee Venom and Oxytetracycline on Blood Parameters, Antioxidant, Immunity Status and Bacterial Count of Weaning Rabbits

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the effects of bee venom (BV) and Oxytetracycline (OXY) supplementation on blood biochemical analysis, antioxidant, immunity status and bacterial count of weaning rabbits. Sixty Californian male rabbits at 35 days of age with average body weight of 589±90 g were randomly divided into five equal groups (12 for each); 1 st group (control) was given water (placebo), 2 nd group (OXY; 1g/l water), 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th groups were received BV at (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg body weigh/day, respectively). Results indicated that weaning rabbits treated with OXY and BV had significant increases of total plasma protein (TP) and globulin (Glo) while decreasing AST and ALT, except for OXY group rise of ALT compared to control group. Rabbits treated with OXY or BV had a significantly declined tri-glycerids (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDLc), while all treatment records were insignificant for high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) compared to control group. Groups treated with BV showed increase of IgG, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Group treated with 2 mg BV/kg body weight/day had a decreased total bacterial count (TBC), salmonellae, E. coli, Proteus and Clostridia. Conclusively, it could be recommended the use levels of BV (2 mg BV/kg body weight/day) to improve the biochemical, immunological and antioxidative responses and decrease pathogenic bacteria in hindgut of weaning rabbits.

Impact of bee venom supplement on productive performance, health status and economics of weaned male rabbits: Considering breed and dosage factors

“…In the current investigation, we reported the antibacterial potential of BV at three distinct concentrations (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg BV) against TBC, E. coli and its favourable impacts on the beneficial Lactobacilli. Remarkably, the antibacterial activity of BV, even at these concentrations, surpassed that of the standard antibiotic oxytetracycline administered at a dosage of 1 g/L of drinking water, as reported in recent literature (El-Speiy et al, 2022).…”

“…Increased activity of these enzymes indicates an improved antioxidant capacity (Meister & Anderson, 1983). in line with these mechanisms, El‐Speiy et al (2022) reported that the observed elevation in the activities of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and SOD suggests an augmentation in the antioxidant capacity.…”

Bee Products for Poultry and Rabbits: Current Challenges and Perspectives

“…[47] Injecting up to 2 mg/kg of body weight/day Improves antioxidant status, immunity, and bacterial count in the hindgut of weaning rabbits. [48] Injected at 0.3 mg/rabbit twice a week from 5 to 10 weeks of age Improves feed conversion ratio, body weight, and carcass quality of growing rabbits. [49] In ovo injection of 10 µg of melittin/egg on day 18 of incubation Increases the post-hatch chick's weight and enhances the immunological indices.…”

“…It can also improve rabbits' blood biochemical parameters (such as liver enzyme activities) and antioxidant activity (such as glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase), as well as their immunological indices (such as IgA, IgG, and IgM) [46,47]. According to El-Speiy et al [48], using bee venom up to 2 mg/kg body weight/day can improve immunological and antioxidative activities while decreasing harmful microorganisms in the hindgut of weaning rabbits. Bee venom has a positive influence on some biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, and globulin concentration in animal blood, as well as stimulating liver enzyme activity (aspartate and alanine aminotransferase) [99].…”

Therapeutic Use of Bee Venom and Potential Applications in Veterinary Medicine

“…Instead, the study by El-Speiy et al (2022) investigated the possibilities of supplementing bee venom (BV) to the drinking water of rabbits [ 86 ]. The association of BV with oxytetracycline (OXY) was proposed in an experimental group of investigation.…”