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Ortega-González L, Soto-Simental S, González-Tenorio R, Ocampo-López J, Hernández-Domínguez H, Nava-Morales GM, Ayala-Martínez M. Effect of Powder from Different Jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) Sections on Performance, Blood Indices, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2025; 15:1609. [PMID: 40509075 PMCID: PMC12153557 DOI: 10.3390/ani15111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2025] [Revised: 05/21/2025] [Accepted: 05/24/2025] [Indexed: 06/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Fruit wastes have been considered as environmental pollution. Jackfruit is a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, meaning that its use in animal feed could contribute to waste reduction. The objective of this research was to evaluate the different parts of jackfruit (seed, pulp, and peel) as an agro-industrial waste on the productive parameters, carcass traits, and meat quality of rabbits. For this study, 144 thirty-five-day-old rabbits were randomly divided into four treatments, control (C), 2.5% pulp powder (PY), 2.5% seed powder (SY), and 2.5% peel powder (CY), with six repetitions and 6 rabbits for each repetition. The fattening period was 30 days. The best feed conversion ratios were found in the C, PY, and CY groups (p < 0.05). The highest chilled carcass yield was observed in the PY group (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed for intestinal morphology in all treatments (p > 0.05). The meat color obtained from the PY group had higher whiteness, redness, and chroma values (p < 0.05). Higher taste and general acceptability values for meat were observed in the groups using jackfruit (SY, PY, and CY). It is concluded that the addition of jackfruit peel powders can be used in rabbit feed, as they improve the final weight, feed conversion, carcass yield, and meat texture, while the sensory analysis demonstrates that the meat is well accepted by consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Ortega-González
- Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Av. Universidad s/n Km 1, Ex Hacienda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo CP. 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico; (L.O.-G.); (S.S.-S.); (R.G.-T.); (J.O.-L.)
| | - Sergio Soto-Simental
- Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Av. Universidad s/n Km 1, Ex Hacienda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo CP. 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico; (L.O.-G.); (S.S.-S.); (R.G.-T.); (J.O.-L.)
| | - Roberto González-Tenorio
- Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Av. Universidad s/n Km 1, Ex Hacienda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo CP. 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico; (L.O.-G.); (S.S.-S.); (R.G.-T.); (J.O.-L.)
| | - Juan Ocampo-López
- Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Av. Universidad s/n Km 1, Ex Hacienda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo CP. 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico; (L.O.-G.); (S.S.-S.); (R.G.-T.); (J.O.-L.)
| | - Héctor Hernández-Domínguez
- Bioterio, Circuito Ex Hacienda la Concepción s/n Carr. Pachuca-Actopan, San Agustín Tlaxiaca CP. 42160, Hidalgo, Mexico;
| | - Gerardo M. Nava-Morales
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N-Edificio 5, Santiago de Querétaro CP. 76017, Querétaro, Mexico;
| | - Maricela Ayala-Martínez
- Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Av. Universidad s/n Km 1, Ex Hacienda de Aquetzalpa, Tulancingo CP. 43600, Hidalgo, Mexico; (L.O.-G.); (S.S.-S.); (R.G.-T.); (J.O.-L.)
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Abd El-Aziz AH. Guava leaf extract as a catalyst for enhanced rabbit health and performance in sub-tropical regions: an updated review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2025; 57:231. [PMID: 40434492 PMCID: PMC12119758 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-025-04485-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
For sustainable intensification of rabbit industry, it is imperative to explore the potential of non-conventional feed resources. The researchers were driven to discover solutions for the shortage of feed in livestock production because of the ongoing rise in costs associated with conventional feed resources. Their efforts were directed at enhancing conventional sources and investigating alternative feed sources, including agricultural and agro-based industrial by-products. Therefore, the review examines the possible advantages of using guava leaf extract (Psidium guajava) as an example of non-conventional feed additive to improve the growth performance and overall health of commercially raised rabbits. Guava leaf extract contains a high concentration of bioactive substances, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and vital minerals. These substances have demonstrated advantageous effects on the feed efficiency, growth rate, and overall health of rabbits. This review article provides a thorough analysis of the current understanding and updates the knowledge about the physiological effects of adding guava leaf extract to rabbit diets, with a specific emphasis on its economic benefits. The findings demonstrated notable enhancements in feed conversion efficiency, growth rate, and immune system functionality, coupled with reductions in the total lipids levels and pathogenic microorganisms. Potential avenues for future investigation encompass the refinement of dosage, examination of synergistic impacts with other dietary constituents, and implementation of extended studies to validate the enduring advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhur, Egypt.
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Daboussi I, Fehri NE, Contò M, Castrica M, Bejaoui S, Quattrone A, Ferchichi MA, Amraoui M, Tibaoui S, Curone G, Vigo D, Menchetti L, Dal Bosco A, Andoni E, Brecchia G, Failla S, Jemmali B. Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Rabbits Fed with Two Different Percentages of Extruded Linseed. Foods 2025; 14:1778. [PMID: 40428557 PMCID: PMC12111155 DOI: 10.3390/foods14101778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2025] [Revised: 05/07/2025] [Accepted: 05/15/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of two levels of extruded linseed (EL) in the diet on growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality of growing rabbits. Sixty-nine New Zealand White male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were assigned after weaning to three dietary groups: control (C), 2.5% EL (L2.5%), and 5% EL (L5%). At the end of the fattening period (from 37 to 93 days of age), rabbits were slaughtered. EL supplementation significantly reduced average daily weight gain (ADG) in the L5% group (p < 0.05), while other performance parameters were not significantly affected. Meat from the L5% group exhibited a higher fat content (p < 0.001) and lower water-holding capacity (p < 0.05) compared to the others. The fatty acid profile showed a significant increase in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and a decrease in n-6 PUFA (p < 0.05), resulting in a markedly reduced n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) in supplemented groups. EL supplementation also enhanced long-chain n-3 PUFA levels, particularly docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). Although lipid oxidation was slightly increased (p < 0.05), sensory attributes remained unaffected. These findings support EL supplementation as a nutritional strategy to increase the n-3 fatty acids in rabbit meat without compromising physical and sensory quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Daboussi
- Institut National Agronomique de Tunis, Université de Carthage, Tunisie, 43 Av. Charles Nicolle, Tunis 1082, Tunisia;
| | - Nour Elhouda Fehri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Michela Contò
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Marta Castrica
- Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Univesità 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Safa Bejaoui
- Laboratory of Integrated Improvement and Development of Animal Productivity and Food Resources LR13AGR02, Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia; (S.B.); (M.A.F.); (M.A.); (S.T.); (B.J.)
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Mohamed Amine Ferchichi
- Laboratory of Integrated Improvement and Development of Animal Productivity and Food Resources LR13AGR02, Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia; (S.B.); (M.A.F.); (M.A.); (S.T.); (B.J.)
| | - Marouen Amraoui
- Laboratory of Integrated Improvement and Development of Animal Productivity and Food Resources LR13AGR02, Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia; (S.B.); (M.A.F.); (M.A.); (S.T.); (B.J.)
| | - Souha Tibaoui
- Laboratory of Integrated Improvement and Development of Animal Productivity and Food Resources LR13AGR02, Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia; (S.B.); (M.A.F.); (M.A.); (S.T.); (B.J.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Dal Bosco
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06124 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Sebastiana Failla
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Bayrem Jemmali
- Laboratory of Integrated Improvement and Development of Animal Productivity and Food Resources LR13AGR02, Mateur Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, Tunisia; (S.B.); (M.A.F.); (M.A.); (S.T.); (B.J.)
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Zhang KH, He S, Wang QG, Li JJ, Yao CY, Shan CH, Zhang L, Liu ZY, Liu P, Li MY, Guo Y, Wu ZH. Mistimed Feeding Disrupts Metabolic Rhythm and Increases Lipid Accumulation of Growing Rabbits in Winter. Animals (Basel) 2025; 15:692. [PMID: 40075975 PMCID: PMC11899554 DOI: 10.3390/ani15050692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2025] [Revised: 02/08/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the normal biological rhythms of livestock is of great significance for reflecting the environmental suitability and welfare level of animals. Mistimed feeding can interfere with the circadian rhythms of both humans and animals, resulting in disorders of lipid metabolism, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Low-temperature environment stimulates increased appetite and decreased physical activity, resulting in higher energy intake than consumption and thus facilitating fat deposition and even obesity. In this study, growing rabbits were randomly allocated to the daytime feeding (DF) group and nighttime restricted feeding (NRF) group. Our research demonstrated that, during winter, the DF regimen disrupted the behavioral rhythms of rabbits and accelerated weight gain without changing overall feed intake. The underlying reason was that DF disturbed the lipid metabolism rhythms, promoted hepatic lipid synthesis regulated by DGAT1 and lipid synthesis of adipose tissues regulated by GPAM, thus triggering fat deposition. In contrast, the NRF regimen enhanced thermogenesis regulated by T3 and elevated body temperature and facilitated ketogenesis mediated by HMGCS2, increasing energy consumption. However, it had no significant impact on the fat content within muscle. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the refinement of feeding management and healthy raising of rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Shuai He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Quan-Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Jun-Jiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Chun-Yan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Chun-Hua Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Zhong-Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Ming-Yong Li
- National Rabbit Industry Technology System Qingdao Comprehensive Experimental Station, Qingdao 266431, China;
| | - Yao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Zhong-Hong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (K.-H.Z.); (S.H.); (Q.-G.W.); (J.-J.L.); (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-H.S.); (L.Z.); (Z.-Y.L.); (P.L.)
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Castrica M, Contò M, Fehri NE, Curone G, Balzaretti CM, Andoni E, Quattrone A, Vigo D, Agradi S, Menchetti L, Barbato O, Miraglia D, Brecchia G, Failla S. Quality and Microbial Changes in Omega-3-Enriched Rabbit Meat Packaged with an Active Absorbent Pad in MAP. Foods 2025; 14:404. [PMID: 39941996 PMCID: PMC11816660 DOI: 10.3390/foods14030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/24/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of an active absorbent pad (aPAD) in reducing microbial growth and enhancing the shelf life of rabbit meat stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Thigh muscles from 60 rabbits were used, divided into three dietary groups: a control group (CNT), a group supplemented with 5% extruded flaxseed (ELS5%), and a group with 3.5% extruded flaxseed and 0.2% Padina pavonica algae (LPP3.5%). Samples were packaged in MAP (70% O2, 30% CO2) with either a conventional pad (nPAD) or aPAD and analyzed at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21 days. Microbiological analysis revealed a significantly lower total viable count at 21 days in the ELS5%aPAD group. For coagulase-positive staphylococci, the CNTaPAD group showed lower microbial counts at both day 4 and day 21 (p < 0.05). Enterobacteriaceae reductions were observed at 24 h post packaging in both the CNTaPAD and LPP3.5%aPAD groups and at day 14 in ELS5%aPAD. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) was also lower in aPAD samples, particularly in LPP3.5%, which remained below 1.5 mg MDA/kg compared to >2.5 mg MDA/kg in nPAD (p < 0.05). Sensory attributes such as texture and color were better preserved with aPAD. These findings underscore the effectiveness of aPAD in MAP to control microbial growth, limit oxidation, and extend the shelf life of omega-3-enriched rabbit meat, providing a promising solution for functional meat product preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castrica
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Michela Contò
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Nour Elhouda Fehri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.B.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.B.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Claudia M. Balzaretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.B.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.B.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.B.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Dino Miraglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (C.M.B.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Sebastiana Failla
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (S.F.)
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Fehri NE, Contò M, Castrica M, Quattrone A, Renzi G, Di Giovanni S, Agradi S, Vigo D, Brecchia G, Menchetti L, Balzaretti CM, Beqiraj D, Andoni E, Curone G, Failla S. Effects of Diets Containing Extruded Linseed and Padina pavonica Algae on Meat Rabbit: Carcass Performance and Meat Quality. Foods 2025; 14:274. [PMID: 39856940 PMCID: PMC11764711 DOI: 10.3390/foods14020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Revised: 01/13/2025] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed (ELS) and Padina pavonica algae extract (PP) on rabbit carcass and meat quality. Ninety-six rabbit carcasses from two production cycles were analyzed. In the first cycle (C1), rabbits were fed a control diet (1CNT), the same diet supplemented with 5% ELS (1ELS5%), and supplemented with 3.5% ELS and 0.2% PP (1LPP3.5%). In the second cycle (C2), the diets varied in composition and supplementation levels: a different control diet (2CNT), the same diet with 5% ELS (2ELS5%), and with 5% ELS and 0.2% PP (2LPP5%). Meat analyses were performed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle for physical properties and on thigh meat (THM) for proximate composition, vitamin E, coenzyme-Q10, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and mineral content. No significant differences in LTL physical quality were observed in C1, although LTL was brighter in C2 (p < 0.001). THM in C2 had higher fat content (p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with ELS and PP extract significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and improved the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) in rabbit meat, demonstrating their positive impact on meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Elhouda Fehri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Michela Contò
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (G.R.); (S.D.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Univesità 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Renzi
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (G.R.); (S.D.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Sabrina Di Giovanni
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (G.R.); (S.D.G.); (S.F.)
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Claudia Maria Balzaretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Doriana Beqiraj
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (D.B.); (E.A.)
| | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (D.B.); (E.A.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (N.E.F.); (A.Q.); (D.V.); (G.B.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Sebastiana Failla
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Centro di Ricerca Zootecnia e Acquacoltura, Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (G.R.); (S.D.G.); (S.F.)
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Zhou YH, Liu XP, Gu XM, Lv HX, Yang Y, Cai ZX, Di B, Wang CK, Gao YY, Jin L. Effects of Dietary Nano-Composite of Copper and Carbon on Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Cecal Microbiota of Weaned Ira White Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2025; 15:184. [PMID: 39858184 PMCID: PMC11758615 DOI: 10.3390/ani15020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2024] [Revised: 01/03/2025] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
This experiment investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with nano-composites of copper and carbon (NCCC) on antioxidants, immune functions, and the cecum microbiota of weaned Ira white rabbits. A total of 240 weaned 35-day-old Ira white rabbits were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments (n = 6 per treatment, each replicate consisted of eight rabbits) that included the control group (CON) with a basal diet, the SAL group with 60 mg/kg salinomycin (SAL) in addition to the basal diet, and the NCCC I, II, III groups, which were supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg NCCC, respectively, in addition to the basal diet. The test lasted for 28 d. The results showed that dietary NCCC supplementation increased the liver Cu/Zn-SOD content and up-regulated the gene expression of Cu/Zn-SOD (p < 0.05), while also reducing the content of MDA in the liver and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of Ira white rabbits. Moreover, the NCCC diet supplementation reduced the content of IL-6 and down-regulated the relative expression of IL-6 and IL-1β genes in the jejunum of Ira white rabbits (p < 0.05). In addition, the metagenomic analysis of 16 S rRNA showed significant differences in the cecal microbial structure of weaned Ira white rabbits in the NCCC III group compared with the CON, NCCC I, and NCCC II groups (p < 0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla of cecal microorganisms in weaned Ira rabbits in the NCCC diet groups. The dominant genera included unidentified Eubacteriaceae, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, and Ruminococcus. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus in the NCCC I and II groups was lower than that in the CON group in the cecum of Ira white rabbits (p < 0.05). In summary, our results showed that diet supplementation with NCCC could enhance the antioxidant capacity in the liver, alleviate intestinal inflammation, and regulate the structure of intestinal flora, improving the health of Ira white rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Huan Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Xiao-Ping Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Xiao-Ming Gu
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Hai-Xuan Lv
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Yun Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Zai-Xing Cai
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Bin Di
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Chang-Kang Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Yu-Yun Gao
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.-H.Z.); (X.-P.L.); (X.-M.G.); (H.-X.L.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-X.C.); (B.D.); (C.-K.W.)
| | - Ling Jin
- China National Engineering Research Center of JUNCAO Technology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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