Experimental application of sage in rabbit husbandry.

摘要

Salvia spp. belongs to the Labiatae family and is characterized by antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to test its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects against bacteria as well as to find an alternative possibility to use sage in the rabbit ecosystem examining biochemical, zootechnical and inmunological indicators, compared to the commercial feed mixture, Xtract. Using the sage extract in in vitro tests, its inhibitory effect was noted. Under in vivo conditions, in the experimental group with sage (EG1), reduction of Pseudomonas-like sp. (p<0.01) and Escherichia coli (p<0.01) was noted after 7 days of sage application compared to the control group CG2 (with Robenidin) as well as after 21 days of sage extract application, when the reduction of coagulase negative staphylococci (p<0.01) was detected (in comparison with the experimental group-EG2, Xtract group). In the caecum of rabbits from EG1,higher values of lactic, acetic and butyric acids were observed. The values of propionic acid were not influenced. Biochemical indicators were not influenced. However, the values of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were lower in EG1 compared to EG2. A higher phagocytic activity (18%) was observed in EG1 than in EG2 (13%) after 21 days of additive application. The reduction of Eimeria sp. oocysts was demonstrated in EG1 (sage group) after 7 days of sage application compared to CG2 (217 to 566 OPG). The animals in both experimental groups achieved higher feed consumption and weight gain and lower mortality compared to both controls. Neither of the additives had a negative influence on the health status and growth performance of rabbits.