DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF SPIRULINA (Arthrospira platensis) AND THYME (Thymus vulgaris). PART 1: EFFECT ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplementation between the ages of 5-11 or between only 8 to 11 weeks, with Spirulina or/and Thyme on the growing rabbits’ performances. At weaning (5 weeks) the rabbits were randomly allotted to 7 groups (42 rabbits/group, 3 rabbits/cage). Rabbits of the control group (C) received a control pelleted feed throughout the experiment (5-11 weeks of age) without any supplementation. In the other groups, the diet was completed by 5% Spirulina (S), or 3% Thyme (T) or by both (ST) for the whole (5-11 wk; groups: S-S, T-T, ST-ST), or for part of the growing period (8-11 wk; groups: C-S, C-T, C-ST). Supplementing the diet with Spirulina or/and Thyme had no effect on the rabbits’ weight gain, body weight, feed consumption, morbidity and mortality. Significant differences were only found for feed conversion ratio that was lower for the C-T group (3.39) than for the C-C groups (3.54, P<0.05). Based on the results, the feed supplements applied separately or jointly had no substantial effect on the growing rabbits’ production and health status.