Effects of a probiotic and different protein sources on lipid metabolism in rabbits

The effect of different protein sources and lactic bacteria on plasma cholesterol was studied in growing rabbits. 30 New Zealand White male rabbits, 40 days old, were assigned to 6 experimental groups and fed different protein sources during 40 days: soya protein, with or without addition of freeze dried resting cells of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (11% w/w); skim milk, milk ferment with the same resting cells (10% w/w); casein with or without the resting cells (11% w/w). Orthogonal comparisons showed that plasma cholesterol, in rabbits fed casein achieved the highest levels and was different from values obtained by all other diets. In presence of the resting cells (probiotic) the plasma cholesterol was slightly reduced, with all types of proteins. It was shown that different protein sources produce changes in several haematological parameters associated with lipid metabolism. The effect depends on the duration of treatment.