INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF SOME TRACE MINERALS IN FORM OF NANOPARTICLES ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBIT

This study was conducted to evaluate effect of adding some trace minerals (copper, zinc and selenium) in Normal form and Nano form on productive and reproductive performance of rabbit. Seven diets supplemented with Control (0), 1g Normal copper Cu, 0.5g Nano Cu, 0.8g Normal Zinc (Zn), 0.4 g Nano Zn, 0.2 Normal selenium (Se) and 0.1mg Nano- Se /100kg of diet respectively. Thirty five New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits does (5 months old) with an average weight of 2.9Kg were randomly assigned individually to seven treatments (five does in each). All diets were formulated to be iso-nitrognous, iso-caloric, and satisfy the nutrient requirements according to Agriculture Ministry Decree (1996) recommendation. Does were housed in galvanized metal rabbit battery cages (60 x 50 x 40) supplied with separated feeders. Diets were offered in pellets form ad libtum and fresh water was available all times from automatic nipple drinkers. All animals were kept under the same managements and hygienic conditions. Result indicated that nano form of trace element used had improved the feed efficiency significantly (P≤ 0.05). Concerning milk yield values which recorded during suckling period were affected significantly (P≤ 0.05) by different treatments. Values ranged between 5.78 - 6.52 kg vs. 5.54 kg for control diets. The best one was for diet supplemented with Nano-zinc. Also, total gain of litter (Kg)/doe, mortality % of kids and feed conversion ratio were affected significantly (P≤ 0.05) by different treatments. Values for diet which supplemented with Nano- Cu were very closed from values for diets supplemented Nano-Se and Nano-Zn which were better than those which supplemented normal form and control diet. Results meanwhile, indicated that there is no significant difference in dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility between groups. Although, the digestion coefficients of different nutrients and nutritive values of diets contained trace minerals used (Cu, Zn and Se) were better in general than control group significantly (P≤ 0.05). Groups supplemented with Nano- Cu, Nano- Ze and Nano- Se were the best one’s in the digestion coefficients of different nutrients and nutritive values between all groups. Conclusively, adding copper, zinc and selenium in normal form and nano form with percentages used in breeding rabbit diets can be used economically without any adverse effects on rabbit reproductive performance.