Abstract

Antioxidant phytochemicals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds found abundantly in plants, which play a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress within biological systems. This study investigated the impact of Aloe vera extract (AVE) in drinking water on the productive performance and physiological status of growing rabbits. A total of 80 unsexed weaned rabbits (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into four experimental groups and were kept under the same managerial, hygienic, and environmental conditions. The control group (T0) received only tap water. Groups T1, T2, and T3 were given 1, 2, and 4 mL of AVE per liter of tap water daily, respectively. The experiment lasted 5 weeks. Rabbit growth performance data at 9 weeks of age showed superior body weights in the T1 and T2 groups, while the T3 group had lower weights. The T1 group showed significantly superior body weight gain (BWG), while the T3 group had the lowest BWG values. Results showed no significant differences in red blood cell, hemoglobin, white blood cell, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity values. Furthermore, rabbits treated with AV extract at varying concentrations showed a significant decrease in total bacterial count, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium spp. compared to the control group. In conclusion, daily supplementation with Aloe vera extract at 1 mL/L in drinking water enhanced the growth performance and physiological health and reduced mortality rates in growing rabbits.

Key words: Aloe vera, antioxidant, bacterial counts, body weight, blood constituents, water consumption, rabbits