Omega-3 as a Dietary Supplement in Rabbits: Effect on the Growth Rate, Blood Parameters and Lipid Profiles
Omega-3 as a Dietary Supplement in Rabbits: Effect on the Growth Rate, Blood Parameters and Lipid Profiles
Abdulkhaliq A. Al-Janabi1*, Mohammad S. Alsalami1, Arkan B. Mohammed1, Abdulkhaliq A.R. Al-Douri2
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the influence of Omega-3 on the growth rates, blood parameters and lipid profiles in New Zealand (albino) rabbits. Twelve male rabbits aged 6-7 months with an average initial weight of 1308.00±39.97 g were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into three groups; the control group was treated orally with distilled water, and the second and third groups were treated orally with 150 or 300 µl Omega-3, respectively. The rabbits’ body weight significantly increased in both Omega-3 treated groups, as well as red blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocytes and monocytes, after 60 days, relative to the control group. On the other hand, total white blood cells, including serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), were significantly decreased in both Omega-3 treated groups compared to the control. In conclusion, the supplement with Omega-3 (150 and 300 µl) induced the growth rate, and liver enzymes, and reduced their lipid profiles, suggesting it would be a beneficial dietary supplement for rabbits.
Keywords | Omega-3, Polyunsaturated fatty acids, Dietary supplement, Albino rabbits, Animal feeding.
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