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The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate Jakr-Na-Rai (Gynura divaricata) as a roughage source on growth performance, blood constituent, blood glucose and cholesterol in growing rabbits. Twenty-four 7-week-old New Zealand White rabbits (12 males and 12 females) were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 8 with equal sex. The rabbits in the first group were fed on commercial feed while the rabbits in the 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the same as first group and supplemented with para grass (Brachiaria mutica) and Jakr-Na-Rai, respectively. The rabbits were raised in individual cages in opened house and received feed and water ad libitum for 4 weeks. Daily feed intake and body weight at the start and the end of the trial were recorded. Blood samples were collected for measurement of blood constituent, blood glucose and cholesterol level. Result showed that there was no significant difference in total dry matter intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p> 0.05). Blood constituent at the beginning and the end of the experiment, except heterophil value at the start, also did not show any significant differences (p> 0.05). A significant difference in blood glucose was detected between the rabbits consuming Jakr-Na-Rai and para grass (p< 0.05) while their cholesterol levels were not significantly different (p> 0.05). In conclusion, Jakr-Na-Rai can potentially lower blood glucose but had no effect on blood cholesterol. Furthermore, insoluble fiber is not the active part in lowering blood glucose or blood cholesterol levels.

DOI

10.56808/2985-1130.2420

First Page

423

Last Page

430

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