Current Applications and Trends in Rabbit Nutraceuticals

Abstract

To ensure the sustainability of rabbit production and protect the global rabbit industry, cost-effective and practical strategies for improving rabbit production and meat quality must be developed. Recently, rabbit farming, like other animal farming, has faced feed shortages due to the impact of climate change, high competition among livestock species, and war conditions. The continued use of conventional feed additives in rabbit diets, whether derived from plant or animal sources, has become a critical issue. Furthermore, there is a global trend toward finding natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, such as antibiotics, in rabbit farms. Finding readily available and alternative feed additives is therefore critical to protecting the rabbit industry, particularly in subtropical and Mediterranean-developing countries. Nutraceuticals positively influence several physiological and productive traits in animals, as well as enhancing their health and welfare. The present review aims to provide an overview of previous studies on the potential of using some plant and animal products as nutraceutical alternatives and feed additives in rabbit diets, separately or in combination, to act as natural growth promoters, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, and immunostimulants in rabbit farms. From the results, some unconventional plant and animal products, such as spirulina, garden cress, milk whey, and bee venom, can be successfully used as dietary supplements and substitutes in rabbit farms to motivate rabbit growth and reproduction, as well as enhance immunity. These products are rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These active substances benefit the animal’s digestive tract in different ways, including activating the digestive enzymes and maintaining microbial balance, promoting vitamin synthesis. They also improve rabbit production, reproduction, and health.