Reproductive performance and milk yield of rabbits fed diets supplemented with garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seed

Abstract

Recently, phytochemicals in plants have evoked interest as sources of naturally beneficial substances and as alternatives to antimicrobials. Based on these benefits, it was hypothesized that garden cress (GC; Lepidium sativum) supplementation could overcome the negative impacts of severe heat stress on the reproductive and lactation performance, physiological parameters, and antioxidant status of rabbits. Twenty-four mature V-line does (6 months old) with an average body weight of 3.65 ± 0.54 kg were randomly assigned into four homogenously equal groups (n = 6) according to the level of supplemented GC seeds. Rabbits in the control group were fed a basal diet without GC seeds (GC 0), the other three treatment groups (GC 3, GC 4.5, and GC 6) were fed a basal diet supplemented with GC seeds at levels 3, 4.5 and 6%, respectively. Investigations revealed that the inclusion of 3% GC enhanced the litter weight of heat-stressed rabbits on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Furthermore, treatment with 3% and 6% GC seeds increased the milk yield on the 28th day. the most of lipid profile parameters, such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), serum urea levels, and antioxidant status improved in rabbits supplemented with 6% GC. In conclusion, the dietary supplemention of GC seed at 6% increased milk yield at 28th day “weaning age”, consequently, improved the blood lipid profile and antioxidant status. Further studies should be conducted to commercialize theusage of garden cress seeds as a supplement in rabbits.