Synbiotics are Better Than Probiotics and Prebiotics for Use as Nutrition in Growing Rabbits

This study evaluated the effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplements-specifically Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mannan-Oligosaccharide (MOS)-on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood parameters in growing rabbits.

A total of 32 weaned rabbits (56 days old; 450 ± 50 g) were randomly assigned to four treatments (eight replicates each) in a completely randomized design. Housing facilities were disinfected before the trial, and rabbits were treated with ivermectin to control internal parasites. The experimental diets included a basal diet (control), a basal diet with probiotic Biodep (0.02%), a basal diet with prebiotic Agrimos (MOS) (0.2%) and a synbiotic combination of both additives. The experiment lasted 56 days. Body weight (BW) was recorded biweekly to determine growth performance indicators, including BW, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At the end of the trial, blood samples from four rabbits per treatment were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins (HDL, LDL and VLDL), white blood cells and red blood cell indices. Skeletal growth and intestinal morphology were also assessed.

The synbiotic group showed the best growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Nutrient digestibility, including dry matter, organic matter, crude fat and fibre (NDF), was significantly improved. Blood analysis revealed significantly lower cholesterol and immune cell counts in the synbiotic group (p < 0.05). Skeletal growth was also enhanced, with significant improvements in most measurements. Overall, synbiotics demonstrated substantial benefits and represent a promising nutritional strategy for improving rabbit production.