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THE PROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF ANTIOXIDANTS AGAINST THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3) ON PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND RABBITS

Research Authors
M. F. A. FARGHLY and O. S. AFIFI
Research Abstract

A total of forty eight, 8 weeks old, unsexed, New Zealand white rabbits (NZW) were, randomly, distributed into four groups (12 rabbit each) to examine the effect of Gibberellic acid (GA3) and/or antioxidants (AO) on the productive and reproductive performance. During experimental period, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 75 mg of GA3/liter, 100 IU of vitamin E/liter and mixture of GA3 & V. E with the same level in drinking water, respectively. While, the fourth group was used as a control (without any additive in drinking water). Generally, the obtained results exhibited that GA3 & VE treated groups were significantly (P 0.05) better during growing period than that in reproductive period. Significant (P 0.05) effects were observed in body weight (g), daily gain (g/d), feed conversion ratio, dressed carcass, liver percentages and economical efficiency in treated groups compared to control group. Conception rate and litter size at birth, 4 and 8 weeks of age as well as healthy disorders were significantly (P 0.05) increased in V. E treated group and control than that in GA3 treated group. On the other hand, no significant differences were demonstrated in feed intake, gestation period, bunny weight at birth, 4 and 8 weeks of age and pre-weaning mortality rate. In conclusion, using Gibberellic acid and antioxidants as a water supplement confirm nonharmful effect during growing period, while, using antioxidants (V. E) as water supplement is beneficial factor during reproductive period.

Research Department
Research Journal
he 3rd Mediterranean Poultry Summit and 6th International Poultry Conference
Research Member
Research Publisher
Egyptian Poultry Science Association
Research Rank
2
Research Vol
26-29 March
Research Website
http://www.epsaegypt.com/
Research Year
2012
Research Pages
1565-1574