The effect of dietary supplementation with <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> on growth performance, some selective hematological, biochemical and antioxidant parameters in New Zealand white rabbits

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae dietary supplementation on growth performance, some selective hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress marker and antioxidant parameters in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Thirty weaned rabbits were divided into three groups (n=10), C: control fed basal diet, S₁: fed basal diet supplied with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) 4g/kg diet and S₂: supplied with Sc 10g/kg diet for 6 weeks. The weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion rate (FCR) were calculated at the end of 3^rd and 6^th week. The blood samples were collected; one with anticoagulant for hematological examination, and other coagulated one for obtain clear serum sample to estimate some selective serum biochemical parameters and serum total antioxidant capacity. One gram of hepatic tissue was collected from each rabbit for preparation of hepatic homogenate which used for analyzing oxidative stress marker and antioxidant parameters (MDA, SOD, Catalase and GSH). At the end of the study, the growth performances were significantly improved in S₁ and S₂ groups than control one. Serum AST, creatinine, glucose and lipid profile were significantly decreased in S₁ and S₂ groups than control group. S₁ and S₂ groups showed a marked increase in hepatic GSH compared with control group. Other parameters were insignificantly differed between all experimental groups. Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation as a feed additive in rabbits’ diet had a desirable effect on weight gain, FCR and antioxidant enzymes activities as well as improved the lipid profile, glucose level, liver and kidney functions.