Alfalfa and Linseed Oil in Diet for Fattening Rabbits: Performance, Meat Quality, and Nutritional Characteristics

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Meat Science

Background:

• Alfalfa is a common feedstuff for rabbits, but its nutritional profile may require supplementation.
• Understanding the impact of dietary fat sources on rabbit meat quality is crucial for producers and consumers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of incorporating linseed oil into an alfalfa-based diet on the productive performance and meat quality of fattening rabbits.
• To assess changes in fatty acid composition and lipid oxidative stability in rabbit meat with dietary linseed oil supplementation.

Main Methods:

• 360 hybrid rabbits were divided into three groups and fed control, alfalfa-only, or alfalfa plus linseed oil diets from 30 days of age.
• Diets were analyzed for nutritional composition (crude fiber, lipids, protein, digestible energy).
• Slaughter weight, meat lipid content, fatty acid profile, and lipid oxidative stability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Alfalfa-based diets had higher crude fiber but lower lipid, protein, and energy content compared to control.
• Linseed oil supplementation prevented the reduction in slaughter weight observed in rabbits fed only alfalfa.
• Meat from rabbits fed linseed oil showed increased n-3 fatty acids but reduced lipid oxidative stability.

Conclusions:

• Supplementing alfalfa-based rabbit diets with linseed oil enhances meat's nutritional profile, particularly n-3 fatty acids.
• This dietary strategy supports productive performance, maintaining slaughter weight comparable to control groups.
• Further research is needed to address the impact of linseed oil on lipid oxidative stability in rabbit meat.