Sucralose Influences the Productive Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Components, and Gut Microflora Using 16S rRNA Sequencing of Growing APRI-Line Rabbits

Abstract

This study investigated how sucralose influenced rabbit intestine and caecal microbial activity, blood parameters, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and digestibility. In total, 160 5-week-old rabbits from the APRI line weighing 563.29 gm were randomly assigned to four experimental groups with four replicates—5 males and 5 females in each. Four experimental groups were used, as follows: SUC1, SUC2, and SUC3 got 75, 150, and 300 mg of sucralose/kg body weight in water daily, while the control group ate a basal diet without supplements. The results showed that both the control and SUC1 groups significantly (p < 0.05) increased daily weight gain and final body weight. Sucralose addition significantly improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) and decreased daily feed intake (gm/d). The experimental groups do not significantly differ in terms of mortality. Furthermore, nutrient digestibility was not significantly affected by sucralose treatment, with the exception of crud protein digestion, which was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Additionally, without altering liver or kidney function, sucralose administration dramatically (p < 0.05) decreased blood serum glucose and triglyceride levels while increasing total lipids, cholesterol, and malonaldehyde in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, the addition of sucrose resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the count of total bacteria, lactobacillus, and Clostridium spp., and a decrease in the count of Escherichia coli. Further analysis using 16S rRNA data revealed that sucralose upregulated the expression of lactobacillus genes but not that of Clostridium or E. Coli bacteria (p < 0.05). Therefore, it could be concluded that sucralose supplementation for rabbits modifies gut microbiota and boosts beneficial bacteria and feed conversion ratios without side effects. Moreover, sucralose could decrease blood glucose and intensify hypercholesterolemia and should be used with caution for human consumption.