Influence of Juniperus Thurifera Root Extract on the Nutrient Digestibility and Caecal Microbial Count of Growing Rabbits

Juniperus thurifera root extract have an unending ability to synthesize secondary metabolites which plays vital role in the defense against pathogens and modulation of the immune system. This study was conducted to examine the Influence of Juniperus thurifera root extract on the nutrient digestibility and caecal microbial count of growing rabbits. Thirty – growing New Zealand white × Chinchilla male rabbits of 6-8 weeks of age weighing 605 ± 5.03 grams were used for the experiment. Rabbits were allocated into three treatments each with 10 animals. Each treatment consisted of 5 replicates with 2 rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in treatment 1 (control) was fed basal diet + 1.5 g oxytetracycline per liter of water while T2 and T3 were fed basal diet with 3 mL and 6mL of Juniperus thurifera root extract per litre of water respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and the experiment lasted for 90 days. Results revealed a significant difference (P˂0.05) in dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat, ash and nitrogen free extract values. Dry matter value was highest in T3, intermediate in T2 and lowest in T1 (P˂0.05). Caecal microbial count of Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp and Salmonella spp were higher in T1 compared to the other treatments (P˂0.05). Lactobacillus spp population was higher in T2, T3 and lowest in T1 (P˂0.05) thus promoting a healthy gut among rabbits fed Juniperus thurifera root extract. In conclusions, Juniperus thurifera root extract can be used as potential alternatives to antibiotics. It can also cause a reduction in animal disease which can have a negative effect on animal health, food supply and the economy.