The effects of bee pollen on performance and economic efficiency of New Zealand White rabbits reared under high stocking density

Omar, Mohamed; Hassan, Fardos; El-Shahat, Marwa

doi:10.21608/djvs.2020.156538

The effects of bee pollen on performance and economic efficiency of New Zealand White rabbits reared under high stocking density

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, El-Zeraa str. 114; 44511-Zagazig; Egypt.

10.21608/djvs.2020.156538

Abstract

This study aimed to Test the hypothesis supplementation with bee pollen (BP), as a beneficial feed additive, could alleviate the detrimental effects of overcrowding on the productive and economic efficiency in growing rabbits. A total of eighty 30 day-old male NZW rabbits (561.7±8.3 g) were randomly allocated into to four groups (each of which replicated four times), of two stocking density 8 and 24 /m2. This corresponds to 2, 6 rabbits per cage. Groups were arranged as follow: control G1 (LSD; 2 rabbits/cage and no supplementation), G2(HSD; 6 rabbits/cage and no supplementation),G3(HSD-BP250; 6 rabbits/cage and 250mg/kg(BW) BP given orally), G4(HSD- BP500; 6 rabbits/cage and 500mg/kg( BW) BP given orally). Rabbits in HSD-BP500 group had significantly higher BW, BWG, lower FI and better FCR and FE than HSD-BP250and HSD groups. Rabbits in HSD-BP500 had significantly higher dressing out % and carcass weight than HSD- BP250and HSD groups. Significant increase in values of RBCs counts, Hb, PCV, WBCs, lymphocyte, heterophils % and decreased H/L ratio were detected in HSD-BP500 group compared to HSD and HSD-BP250 groups.. while, values of MCV and MCH were not significantly (P > 0.01) different among groups. The highest values of total protein, globulin and the lowest serum urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST were observed in HSD-BP500 group. The highest values of total and net revenue and the best economical efficacy were obtained in HSD-BP500 group. Conclusively, from the obtained results It can be concluded that the supplementation of bee pollen at dose of 500mg/kg BW improved the performance parameters of NZW rabbits and increased farm profitability.

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