The effect of Curcuma longa dried powder in the diet on weight gain of rabbit does

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Curcuma longa plant additive to the diet on the weight gain of rabbit does. Rabbit females (n = 45) of New Zealand White breed of the same age (2 months) were used in the experiment. Rabbit does in the control group (C; n = 15) were fed a commercially available feed. In the experimental groups 5 g (E1; n = 15) and 20 g (E2; n = 15) of Curcuma longa dried powder was added to 100 kg feed mixture. The highest average weight gain per week was observed in the fi rst experimental group (E1; 235.7 ± 22.35 g) when compared to the control (C; 216.2 ± 25.59 g) and the second experimental (E2; 220.5 ± 31.94 g) groups. The highest total average weight gain of rabbit does was observed in the E1 (2103.3 ± 63.22 g) compared to the second (E2, 2045 ± 84.36 g) and control (C, 1950 ± 126.88 g) groups. In conclusion, supplementation of Curcuma longa plant powder to the commercially diet for rabbit positively affected weight gains in rabbit does. Therefore, to improve growth performance, further studies are required to defi ne an optimal supplementation of Curcuma longa to the rabbit diet.