ZINC MICROMINERAL IN PRODUCTION RABBITS WITH EIMERIOSIS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The production of beef rabbits is growing in Brazil and efforts need to be applied in the feed industry to meet the nutritional demand of these animals. Among the nutrients, zinc stands out, since it acts as an enzymatic catalyst, it is related to the metabolism of nucleic acids, proteins and carbohydrates, helping in cellular metabolism and the immune system. Parasitic infections in rabbit breeding are common, especially by Eimeria sp., which leads to large production losses, morbidity and mortality. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the use of extra zinc supplementation in the feeding of naturally infected rabbits. The experiment was carried out in Santa Juliana - MG, using 20 rabbits, male and female crossbred New Zealand white x California, recently weaned, divided into two groups: control, without the extra supply of zinc and the treated group, with extra addition of zinc. zinc. The weight of the animals, total weight and average daily gain, dosage of serum plasma proteins, albumin, globulins, excretion of total minerals and zinc in the feces and parasite load in the feces were evaluated. The weight and average weight gain, total proteins, albumin and globulin did not change between the evaluated groups. There was a difference in mineral excretion between the groups, males in the treated group excreted less minerals than those in the control group, females in the supplemented group had higher excretion when compared to the control group. As for the excretion of only zinc in the feces, males in the control group had a much lower excretion when compared to the treated group, in females there was no difference in the excretion of zinc in the feces. The animals treated with extra supplementation had a lower parasite load when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Zinc mineral supplementation has the potential to be used as an interesting alternative in maintaining the health of production, increasing parasite control parameters.