Gut Morphology, and Carcass Characteristics of two Breeds of Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) Using Different Levels of Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (Labs) As Drinking Supplement

Abstract This study investigated the effects of lactic acid bacteria serum (LABs) supplementation in drinking water on the growth performance, organ weights, intestinal morphology, and meat quality of rabbits. A total of sixty-four (64) four-week-old New Zealand and Californian rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with LABs supplementation at 0% (control), 15%, 30%, and 45% levels. Each treatment consisted of four replicates, and the trial continued until the rabbits reached 90 days of age. Parameters measured included average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), weekly weight gain, dressing percentage, organ weights (kidney, liver, lungs, and heart), intestinal segment lengths (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon, and rectum). The results showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments for most parameters, except for ADG at week 13, which was significantly different (P<0.05). Despite the lack of statistical significance in most areas, numerical trends suggested that higher concentrations of LAB supplementation may support improved growth performance and intestinal development, echoing findings in previous studies that highlight the role of probiotics in enhancing gut health and nutrient absorption. However, carcass traits and organ development remained largely unaffected. These findings suggest that while LABs supplementation may benefit intestinal morphology and feed efficiency, larger sample sizes and longer-duration studies are necessary to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosing. Keywords: Lactic acid bacteria (LABs), Growth promoters, Rabbit growth performance, Organ weights, Intestinal morphology