GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES AND FAECAL MICROBIAL LOAD OF RABBITS SUBJECTED TO ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris) JUICE

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oral administration of graded levels of beetroot juice on growing rabbits. Thirty two unsexed rabbits were allocated to four levels of beetroot juice (0. 15, 30 and 45mls/l of drinking water) in a completely randomized design experimental layout. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks during which data were collected on growth performance, haematological indices and faecal microbial load. Feed intake (FI) was not influenced by treatment. Significant differences were obtained on weight gained (WG), final weight (FW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). WG, FW and FCR were positively influenced with increasing concentration of beetroot juice in drinking water of rabbits. Packed cell volume, Red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and White blood cell count were significantly (p<0.05) improved in rabbits on drinking water containing beetroot juice. Administration of beetroot in drinking water reduced total bacterial count of rabbits. The study revealed a better performance of growing rabbits as the concentration of beetroot juice in drinking water increases.