Reproductive indices in rabbit does after dietary supplementation with nutraceutical substances: Preliminary data

Aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of Chlorella vulgaris and Laurus nobilis on selected reproductive indices in intensive reared rabbit does. Second parity New Zealand White does (n = 60) were enrolled for two consecutive reproductive cycles. Rabbit does were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups (n = 15 replicates per treatment). The first control group (CON) received a commercial pellet-diet; experimental CHL group received the same diet supplemented with 0.1% of dried Chlorella algae powder; experimental LAU group received control diet supplemented with 0.1% of dried bay leaves powder; experimental MIX group received control diet supplemented with a mixture of the same doses of both natural dried plants. Considering data on the first reprodcutive cycle, dietary treatments did not influence (P>0.05) the number of kits per litter (born alive and dead) and number of animals at the weaning period. A significant effect (P<0.05) was observed on kits mortality rate (percentage of mortality during lactation), with LAU group as the lowest value among all experimental groups. No effect was notice on parameters regarding weight of litter, weight of single kit and average daily gain during the experimental period. In conclusion, no detrimental effect was observed on reproductive parameters after the use of Chlorella algae and bay leaves as feed supplements alone and in combination. Among them, these preliminary data underline a lower mortality of kits during lactation period, obtained in rabbit does fed with Laurus nobilis.