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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
An Experimental Model of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rabbit: Methodological Considerations, Development, and Assessment
Published on: April 20, 2018
Effect of various dietary regimens on oral challenge with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in a rabbit
Rakel Arrazuria1, Elena Molina1, Maider Mateo-Abad2
1Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Berreaga, 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.
Abstract:
Rabbits are susceptible to infection by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in both wildlife and experimental conditions. Under the hypotheses that nutrient balance might influence the establishment of infection, we designed an experiment where MAP intestinal colonization was assessed under three dietary regimens: high fiber, high protein, and regular diet in New Zealand white rabbits submitted to oral challenge with MAP. Lowest weight gain (F=5.17, p=0.024), higher tissue culture positivity rates (X(2)=7.43, p=0.024) and especially extended MAP-compatible lesions (F=5.78, p=0.017) were detected in the regular diet. Taken altogether, results indicate that paratuberculosis infection was achieved affecting mostly regular diet animals and showing that dietary changes may modulate the course of the infection.
Insights
Dietary changes can influence Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in rabbits. A regular diet led to increased infection severity, suggesting nutrient balance impacts paratuberculosis establishment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Rabbits are susceptible to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection.
- Nutrient balance may influence the establishment and severity of MAP infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different dietary regimens on MAP intestinal colonization and infection establishment in rabbits.
- To assess if high fiber or high protein diets modulate MAP infection compared to a regular diet.
Main Methods:
- New Zealand white rabbits were orally challenged with MAP.
- Three dietary regimens were implemented: high fiber, high protein, and regular diet.
- Intestinal colonization, weight gain, tissue culture positivity, and lesion development were assessed.
Main Results:
- Rabbits on the regular diet exhibited the lowest weight gain.
- Higher rates of tissue culture positivity for MAP were observed in the regular diet group.
- The regular diet group also showed more extensive MAP-compatible lesions.
Conclusions:
- Dietary composition significantly influences the establishment and progression of MAP infection in rabbits.
- High fiber and high protein diets may offer a protective effect or modulate infection severity compared to a regular diet.
- These findings highlight the potential role of nutritional management in controlling paratuberculosis in susceptible animal populations.
