Essential oil and bagasse of oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) affect the productive performance and the quality of rabbit meat

The present study assessed the effect of incorporating essential oil of oregano (EOO) and oregano bagasse (OB) into the diet on the productive parameters and on the variables sacrifice and quality of rabbit meat. A total of 100 rabbits (30 d of age) were distributed in six treatments T1: control, T2: 0.25 g/kg of EOO, T3: 0.40 g/kg of EOO, T4: 20% of OB, T5: 0.25 g/kg of EOO + 20% of OB, and T6: 0.40 g/kg of EOO + 20% of OB. The greatest live weight was that of T6 (P<0.0001). At d 37, 44 and 51, T3 exhibited the lowest food intake (P=0.0089), and T6 had the best weight gain (P=0.0172). Food conversion was best (P=0.0138) in T5 at d 37. The yield of the cold carcass and loin was highest in T2, T4 and T5 (P<0,001). The pH increased (P=0.0190) at 10 d post mortem in T1, T4, T5, and T6. The water retention capacity was greater (P=0.0500) in T2, T4, and T6; a* increased (P<0.0004) on d 10 post mortem, and b* was lower (P<0.0430) in T2 at 24 h and 1at 0 d post mortem. In conclusion, 0.25 and...