Thyme oil inclusion levels in a rabbit ration: Evaluation of productive performance, carcass criteria and meat quality under hot environmental conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of thyme essential oil supplementation in rabbit rations on performance, carcass criteria, and meat quality under hot environmental conditions. A total of 75, 4-week-old Californian male rabbits were assigned to 5 dietary treatments until 12 weeks of age. The rabbits were reared in an open house system (38 °C average ambient temperature and 26% to 35% relative humidity). Treatments were as follows: unsupplemented standard ration, negative control (CON); standard ration supplemented with 1.50 g/kg olive oil as carrier, positive control (POS); POS + 50 mg/kg thyme oil (TO1); POS + 100 mg/kg thyme oil (TO2); and POS + 150 mg/kg thyme oil (TO3). Dietary thyme oil up to 150 mg/kg improved (P < 0.001) feed intake and growth performance in comparison to CON. The highest average daily gain and most efficient feed conversion ratio (linear, P < 0.001 and quadratic, P < 0.001) were found for TO1 followed by TO2, TO3 and POS, respectively. The incorporation of thyme oil improved (P < 0.001) carcass criteria and decreased (P < 0.001) perirenal and scapular fat without any side effects on internal organs. Notably, the water holding capacity of rabbit meat was greater (P < 0.001), and the lipid oxidation was lower (P < 0.01) in rabbits fed treated rations compared with CON. Differences were also recorded in oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin contents in rabbit meat among treatments. In conclusion, thyme oil of a specified composition and to be added to a rabbit ration up to 100 mg/kg using 1.50 g/kg olive oil as a carrier can be used as an efficient feed additive for improving productive performance of rabbits under hot environmental conditions.

Effects of dietary phytogenic supplementation on performance, semen quality and serum biochemical of rabbits

“…In current study, the main active component of TEO was thymol which constitutes 40% relative of its analysed composition. The composition of TEO used in the present study was consistent with those reported in the literature [ 2,10]. The current study showed that BW gain and FCR were improved in rabbits fed a control diet supplemented with TEO up to 180 mg/kg compared to PC and NC groups.…”

“…These improvements may be due to the active compounds stimulated digestive enzymes and therefore leads to improve nutrient digestibility [ 6,23]. Similar results were reported supplementation of TEO with olive oil improved growth performance of male Californian rabbits under high temperature environments [ 2]. Likewise, oral administration of aqueous thyme extract with 50 mg/kg BW improved (P < 0.001) BWG, feed intake and FCR of rabbits compared to control [ 24].…”

“…Recently, rabbits industry becomes an important role to meet the high requirements of animal protein for human consumption and a source of the national economies in Egypt [ 1,2]. Rabbit meat is characterized by a high protein and low fat and cholesterol content [ 3], these nutritional meat qualities are of great value for the meat industry and consumers.…”

“…Furthermore, dietary Thyme extract supplementation at 0.5 g/kg signi cantly improved gut integrity and antioxidant status of rabbits [ 9] which mainly due to thyme active components. The main components of thyme essential oil (TEO) are thymol, carvacrol, γterpinene, p-cymene, β-myrcene, linalool and terpinen-4-ol [ 2,10]. These active components had the best oxidative status [ 11] and may decrease serum cholesterol [ 12] which could enhance reproductive performances of rabbits.…”

Ameliorative effects of oral ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts on productive and reproductive performance of V‐line male rabbits

“…These results are in concordance with Abou‐elkhair et al () who showed a significant effect of thyme on weight gain and feed conversion, also, recorded its effect on stimulation of appetite and feed intake. Abdel‐Wareth, Taha, Südekum, and Lohakare () who reported that supplemented thyme oil to diet up to 150 mg/kg improved feed consumption and growth rate of rabbits. However, these results are in disagree with Dalle‐Zotte, Sartori, Bohatir, Remignon, and Ricci () who reported a non‐significant effect of thyme on weight gain and FCR.…”