1Experimental Station in Chorzelow, National Research Institute of Animal Production in Krakow-Balice, Poland
2Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland
3Department of Animal Product Technology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland
Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30–059, Krakow, Poland
*Corresponding author's e-mail: s.lapinski@ur.krakow.pl
Online published on 17 September, 2018.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of herbal supplementation on rabbits ’health and production parameters. In experiment with herbal food additives, at 90 days of age animals fed with phytogenic additives (oregano, garlic and rosemary) had higher body weight compared to the group fed with coccidiostat. In experiment with herbal water additives (garlic extract or oregano) the phytobiotic supplementation had no effect on weight gains of animals. The highest body weight on slaughter day was obtained by rabbits drank water with garlic extract. Parasitological tests performed at 91 days of age showed that lowest average number of coccidia oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) in “garlic ”group (48.0 OPG) and the highest in control group (308.6 OPG). The research showed that feed with herbal supplementation is willingly eaten by rabbits, contributes to faster weight gains and has a positive effect on meat quality.
Coccidiostat, Garlic, Oregano, Phytogenic additives, Rabbit nutrition, Rosemary
