Avaliação de simbióticos na dieta de coelhos sobre parâmetros hemalógico, bioquímicos e desempenho

Abstract

This study aimed to test the safety and efficacy of freeze-dried Kombucha and Kefir, administered separately or in combination in the diet. For this purpose, blood parameters and the productive performance of growing rabbits were evaluated. A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits of both sexes, were used, distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replicates (three pens per treatment, with two rabbits per pen). After weaning (at 35 days), the animals underwent a five-day adaptation period to the pens. The experimental period lasted from 40 to 96 days of age. The treatments consisted of different types of freeze-dried probiotics added either individually or in combination to the animals' feed: Control Group: no probiotic inclusion. Group A (Kombucha): probiotic at a concentration of 1×109 CFU/g; Group B (Kefir): probiotic at a concentration of 1×1010 CFU/g; Group C (Kombucha + Kefir): combined probiotics (A and B) at a concentration of 1×1013 CFU/g. The probiotics were administered by spraying onto the feed (1 ml/rabbit/day). To evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters, blood samples were collected from eight male rabbits (two per replicate) at 96 days of age. Laboratory analyses (complete blood count) were performed on whole blood samples. Live weight and feed intake were recorded weekly. Means were compared using Tukey's test or Kruskal-Wallis test, and performance results were analyzed through contrasts (Control Group vs. Treated Groups). There was no effect (P≥0.05) of probiotics on hematological and biochemical parameters. Rabbits supplemented with probiotic B (Kefir) showed better responses (P<0.05) for final average weight, average weight gain, and daily weight gain during the growth phase. Probiotic supplementation resulted in normal blood parameters. Specifically, Group B (Kefir) demonstrated better productive performance, preliminarily proving the efficacy and safety of these products when included in the diet and their potential to improve rabbit productivity during the growth phase.