NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS ALLEVIATE HEAT STRESS EFFECTS ON RABBIT HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE: ROLE OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS AND SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES

Heat stress as a result of global warming has harmful consequences for livestock and is thus becoming an urgent issue for animal husbandry worldwide. The present trial investigated the efficacy of Spirulina platensis, selenium nanoparticles, zinc nanoparticles, or combinations of these supplements in heat-stressed rabbits. The findings indicate enhanced growth rates, better blood parameters, and stronger immune defenses in rabbits facing heat stress.  The treated rabbits exhibited significantly elevated levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG) and superoxide dismutase activity, with p-values less than 0.05. Meanwhile, serum cortisol, interferongamma, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels were notably decreased in the treated groups. Specifically, Spirulina platensis (SP) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at doses of 1 g/kg diet and 50 mg/kg diet, respectively, demonstrated improvements in growth, blood parameters, and immuneantioxidant responses. Moreover, the supplements appeared to reduce the negative effects of heat stress on the rabbits' health and overall well-being. These results indicate that Spirulina and SeNPs can be potentially used as growth promoter, antioxidant, immunostimulant, and antimicrobial agents in rabbits.