GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF HEAT STRESSED RABBITS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SYNTHETIC AND ORGANIC ANTIOXIDANTS

Résumé

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth performance of heat stressed rabbits fed diets supplemented with synthetic and organic antioxidants. The antioxidants used were bicarbonate buffers, vitamin C and baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM). A total of thirty (30) growing rabbits were used. The rabbits were allotted into the treatment groups with six (6) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in the first group (T₁) were the control, animals in the treatment 2 and treatment 3 (T₂) and (T₃) were fed with diets as in the control and given potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) buffer solutions respectively. Rabbits in treatment four (T₄) were fed diet containing synthetic vitamin C and the fifth group (Ts) was fed diet containing BFPM. Rabbits were given access to feed and water ad libitum. All recommended managerial practices were dully observed. Microclimate parameters of ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) of the rabbitry were taken daily from February through June. The values were used to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). It was found that vitamin C and BFPM significantly (P<0.05) enhanced feed intake compared to the treatments with buffers. It was concluded that BFPM is more effective in ameliorating heat stress in rabbit production and can be used up to 5.5% inclusion level.