1Applied Animal Physiology Laboratory, University Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, Algeria
2Food Technology and Nutrition Laboratory, University Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, Algeria
*Corresponding Author: D. Benabdelmoumene, Applied Animal Physiology Laboratory, University Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, Algeria, Email: benabdelmoumenedjilali@hotmail.com
Online Published on 07 July, 2025.
Both traditional usage and initial scientific findings suggest that Bunium bulbocastanum, commonly known as Talghouda tuber nut, may offer health benefits, particularly for thyroid dysfunction. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation in managing pharmacologically thyroid-induced dysfunction and its effects on growth performance and meat quality in rabbits.
Thirty 45-day-old male Lionhead rabbits were divided into three groups, each with two subgroups. The Control groups received either a standard diet (C) or a diet supplemented with 35% dried Talghouda (Csup). The Hypothyroid group included rabbits induced with hypothyroidism using carbimazole at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW/day (HytCar) and those subsequently treated with dried Talghouda (HytTal). Similarly, hyperthyroid group comprised rabbits induced with hyperthyroidism using levothyroxine (HyrLevo) and those treated with dried Talghouda (HyrTal). Thyroid function was assessed by measuring serum levels of T3, T4 and TSH. Additionally, growth performance and meat quality parameters were evaluated.
Talghouda supplementation significantly influenced thyroid hormone levels in rabbits, elevating T3 and T4 in the hyperthyroid groups (HyrLevo and HyrTal) compared to controls, while suppressing TSH in hyperthyroid groups and elevating it in hypothyroid groups. Talghouda treatment improved growth performance, evidenced by increased weight gain and higher eviscerated carcass weights in the hyperthyroid-treated groups. Meat quality also improved, with favourable pH, dry matter percentage and mineral content observed in the Talghouda-treated hypothyroid group. These findings suggest that Bunium bulbocastanum is a viable natural intervention for managing thyroid dysfunction while maintaining or enhancing growth and meat quality in rabbits, offering promising pharmacological and economic benefits.
Bunium bulbocastanum, Dietary supplementation, Growth performance, Meat quality, Rabbits, Thyroid dysfunction
