Effect of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Administered in Drinking Water on Growth Performance and Health of the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Post-weaning Period

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) is a nutrient-rich microalga that has been investigated as a feed supplement for improving animal growth and health. However, evidence regarding the effects of low doses of spirulina administered specifically through drinking water to rabbits during the post-weaning period remains limited, particularly for growth performance and health-related outcomes. Aims: To evaluate the effect of three doses of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) administered in drinking water on growth performance and health in weaned rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) during the post-weaning period. Study Design: Randomised controlled trial with four groups: a control group and three groups receiving increasing doses of spirulina in drinking water. Place and Duration of Study: Rabbit farm in the village of Adiopodoumé, north of the commune of Yopougon (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire); from weaning (35 days of age) to 70 days of age. Methodology: Fifty-six Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbits, weaned at 35 days and with an average weight of 400 g, were allocated to four groups of 14 animals housed in individual cages: a control group (T) receiving commercial industrial pelleted feed without supplementation, and three groups additionally receiving 10 mg (D1), 50 mg (D2), or 100 mg (D3) of spirulina per day in drinking water. Feed intake, mean body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and health risk index (HRI) were monitored from weaning to 70 days of age. Results: No significant effect of spirulina dose was observed on feed intake (86 g/d on average), mean body weight (967–1045 g across treatment groups), ADG (24 g/d), or FCR (4.6), whereas age significantly influenced all four parameters (P<0.01). The health risk index differed significantly between groups only over the 35–50-day interval (P=0.04), with group D2 being the most affected. Conclusion: At the doses tested, spirulina administered in drinking water did not improve growth performance or health status in rabbits during the post-weaning period.