Bilberry pomace in rabbit nutrition: effects on growth performance, apparent digestibility, caecal traits, bacterial community and antioxidant status

• DOI: 10.1017/s175173111800099x
• Publication Date: 2018-05-18T09:05:40Z
• Authors: S. Dabbou; I. Ferrocino; A. Kovitvadhi; S. Dabbou; S. Bergagna; D. Dezzuto; A. Schiavone; L. Cocolin; F. Gai; V. Santoro; L. Gasco
• Keywords: Pomace; Digestion

Agricultural by-products could be used as alternative raw materials in rabbit nutrition they have been found to highly nutritious and low cost feeding sources. The aim of this study was estimate the nutritive value potential use bilberry pomace (BP) for growing rabbits. A total 144 Grimaud rabbits (35 days old) were allotted four groups fed with a diet containing increasing level BP: BP0 (basal diet), BP5, BP10 BP15 0, 50, 100 150 g/kg respectively. Growth trial lasted 48 days; apparent digestibility evaluated, starting at 46 age, over 4 consecutive days. BP measured using mean experimental diets. At 83 slaughtered: blood, liver kidney samples collected order determine blood parameters antioxidant enzyme activities tissues. Moreover, caecal content sampled gut microbiota assessed by means amplicon-based high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. digestible protein estimated 104 DM while energy 9.44 MJ/kg incorporation rate up g/kg. During finishing period, average daily feed intake conversion ratio showed linear response increase (P=0.008 <0.001, respectively). all both decreased linearly quadratically inclusion levels (P<0.001) BP. significant effect status kidneys (P<0.05) where glutathione peroxidase activity increased increased. As far is concerned, relative abundance Clostridium, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus Ruminococcaceae species which clearly associated level. In conclusion, an fibre sources