Investigating the impacts of raisin-supplemented large animal feed on growth metrics, nutritional behavior, and offspring outcomes in female rats

The study assessed the impact of large animal feed and raisin-supplemented diets on female Wistar rats’ growth, reproduction, and offspring. Thirty rats were assigned to three groups: control (C) with a standard rat diet, large animal feed (T1), and large animal feed with raisins (T2). The 60-day study covered pregnancy and lactation, measuring feed and water intake, maternal weight, fertility, and offspring number, weight, length, and width. Results showed no significant differences in maternal weight gain, reproductive outcomes, or offspring growth across groups. Feed and water intake were slightly lower in T1 and T2 during lactation, but reproductive performance and offspring metrics were unaffected. Raisin supplementation (T2) appeared to enhance metabolic stability, potentially due to its antioxidant properties. The study suggests raisin-supplemented feed is a cost-effective alternative to standard diets, maintaining nutritional adequacy and experimental consistency. These findings offer practical insights for alternative feeding strategies during feed shortages or economic challenges. Further research should investigate the long-term metabolic effects of these diets to confirm their sustainability and broader applicability in laboratory settings. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT