Impact of dietary enrichment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed and algae on the growth performance of rabbits
Résumé
Currently, the use of n-3 polyunsaurated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in rabbits' nutrition represents an interesting strategy not only to enhance the productive and reproductive performances, but also the nutritional value of the meat, potentially creating a functional food for humans. This study investigated the effects of n-3 PUFA dietary integration with extruded linseed alone and in combination with algae Padina pavonica extract on the growth performance and metabolic status of fattening rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White growing rabbits, from weaning (35 days of age) until slaughter (85 days of age), were divided into three different groups (n=20) and fed different pelleted diets: commercial diet (CNT group), commercial diet integrated with 5% extruded linseed (L5% group), and commercial diet integrated with 3.5% extruded linseed in combination with 0.2% algae Padina pavonica extract (LPP group). In order to evaluate the growth performances of the rabbits, live weight (LW), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly, while feed intake was monitored daily. Moreover, to evaluate the metabolic status of the animals, plasma concentrations of insulin as well as glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were evaluated at 35, 60, and 85 days of age. In terms of productive performance, the fattening rabbits in the L5% group exhibited the highest marginal mean for LW, associated to higher average ADG and lower average FCR (for all: P<0.05), suggesting that the use of linseed alone improved feed efficiency compared to the LPP group. Furthermore, the integration with both extruded linseed and algae Padina pavonica extract did not significantly alter plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, or NEFA, indicating no negative impact on the animals' energy metabolism.
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