Effects of Dietary Prebiotics, Probiotics and Symbiotics on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Body Condition Score and Nutrients Digestibility of Rabbits

Abstract

Present study was carried out on thirty-two rabbits that were housed in individual wooden cages during the 12-week experimental period. Results indicates that significantly (P<0.05) maximum live body weight (2484.88±165.5g) was noted in group D as compared to group B (2306.25±241.78g), group C 2249.63±199.79g) and minimum live body weight (2083.88±248.66g) was recorded from group A. Significantly (P<0.05) maximum daily feed intake (97.19±0.65 g) was noted in group D as compared to group B (94.55±0.60g), group C (89.09±0.83g) and minimum daily feed intake (85.79±0.63g) was recorded from group A. Significantly (P<0.05) better FCR (2.75±1.19) was noted in group D as compared to group B (3.13±1.13), and group C (3.60±1.22). Poor FCR (3.87±1.01) was recorded from group A. BCS of group B, C D was recorded as ideal (3±0). BCS was recorded as thin (2±0) in group A. Significantly (P<0.05) maximum carcass weight (1915.68±243.55g) was noted in group D as compared to group B (1604.43±204.67g), group C (1355.28±184.69g) and minimum carcass weight (1000.10±125.34g) was recorded from group A. Significantly (P<0.05) maximum dry matter digestibility (61.50±0.93%) was noted in group D as compared to group B (60.88±1.73%), group C (55.88±1.46%) and minimum dry matter digestibility (54.38±1.69%) was recorded from group A. Maximum crude fiber digestibility (53.50±1.93%) was noted in group A as compared to group C and group B (35.63±2.33% and 28.75±2.60%) and minimum crude fiber digestibility (15.50±1.51%) was recorded from group D. Maximum ash digestibility (50.75±1.49%) was noted in group A as compared to group C and group B (48.50±1.60% and 35.63±1.60%), respectively. Minimum ash digestibility (28.13±1.55%) was recorded from group D. Maximum nitrogen free extract digestibility (73.13±1.89%) was noted in group A as compared to group C and group B (66.75±2.12% and 56.88±1.36%), respectively. Minimum nitrogen free extract digestibility (42.25±2.43%) was recorded from group D. Statistical analysis of data revealed significant (P<0.05) difference in crude fiber, ash and nitrogen free extract digestibility.