Risposte riproduttive e fisiologiche fornite da conigli maschi alimentati con diete con differenti equilibri elettrolitici

In this trial, the effect of the dietary electrolyte balance on zootechnical performance and metabolic profile was investigated on 19 male rabbits belonging to Grimaud genotype, at the third reproductive cycle (about 72 weeks of age). The animals were divided into two groups (dEBC group = 9 animals and debt group = 10 animals) and, from the first reproductive cycle, fed two diets, similar for ingredients, protein and energy content, but characterized by different electrolyte balance (dEB = Na+ -+ K+ - Cl-, meq/100 g): dEBC = 27 meq/100 g and dEBT = 35 meq/100 g. The higher dEB was achieved by adding sodium to the supplement of the dEBT diet. The rearing temperature was 15 deg C and the relative humidity was 79%. Results pointed out that the two dietary electrolyte balances did not significantly affect either body weight and feed intake or reproductive performance of bucks. The metabolic (glucose, tryglicerides, cholesterol, total proteins, urea), enzymatic (AST, ALT, gamma-GT, LDH) and mineral (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cl) plasma profiles were not affected by the diet. Otherwise, a significant increase of partial pressure of CO2 (P0.01), bicarbonate content (P0.05) and total content of CO2 (P0.05) was observed in the group fed diet with the higher dEB (35 meq/100 g). Plasma pH did not change. The studied dietary electrolyte balance affected the acid-base buffer system in male rabbit at the third reproductive cycle