Medium chain triglycerides improve the growth performance, immune and antioxidant functions, and intestinal health of weaned rabbits.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to study the effects of different doses of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on growth performance, immune and oxidative functions, and intestinal health in weaned rabbits.
Results Summary
The study found that MCT at 2400 mg/kg significantly improved survival rate, fat digestibility, and serum immune and antioxidant markers, while 1800 mg/kg enhanced intestinal villus height and crypt depth. Both 1800 and 2400 mg/kg MCT increased the abundance of beneficial Bacteroidetes.
Population
Weaned rabbits (35 days old, ~993.26 g initial weight)
Effective Dosage
600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 mg/kg MCT substituted for soybean oil in the diet
Duration
48 days
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | weaning survival rate | weaned rabbits | - | significantly increased | #1 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | crude fat digestibility | weaned rabbits | - | significantly increased | #2 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A | weaned rabbits | - | dramatically raised | #3 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G | weaned rabbits | - | dramatically raised | #4 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M | weaned rabbits | - | dramatically raised | #5 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | catalase | weaned rabbits | - | dramatically raised | #6 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | superoxide dismutase | weaned rabbits | - | dramatically raised | #7 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | total antioxidant capability | weaned rabbits | - | dramatically raised | #8 |
1800 mg/kg MCT | increase | villus height | weaned rabbits | - | observably enhanced | #9 |
1800 mg/kg MCT | increase | crypt depth | weaned rabbits | - | observably enhanced | #10 |
1800 mg/kg MCT | increase | abundance of Bacteroidetes | weaned rabbits | - | significantly increased | #11 |
2400 mg/kg MCT | increase | abundance of Bacteroidetes | weaned rabbits | - | significantly increased | #12 |
1800 mg/kg MCT substituting soybean oil in the diet | increase | growth performance | weaned rabbits | - | can improve | #13 |
1800 mg/kg MCT substituting soybean oil in the diet | increase | intestinal barrier function | weaned rabbits | - | can improve | #14 |
2400 mg/kg MCT substituting soybean oil in the diet | increase | growth performance | weaned rabbits | - | can improve | #15 |
2400 mg/kg MCT substituting soybean oil in the diet | increase | intestinal barrier function | weaned rabbits | - | can improve | #16 |
The purpose is to study the effects of different doses of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) on growth performance, immune and oxidative functions, and intestinal health of weaned rabbits. A total of 600 weaned rabbits weighing about 993.26 g and at 35 d of age were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was fed a basal diet containing 2400 mg/kg soybean oil, and the experimental group was substituted with 600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 mg/kg MCT. The whole trial period lasted for 48 d. The results showed that treatment with 2400 mg/kg MCT significantly increased the weaning survival rate and crude fat digestibility (p < 0.05) and dramatically raised the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, IgM, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capability (p < 0.05). The villus height and crypt depth in 1800 mg/kg MCT group were observably enhanced (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly increased in 1800 and 2400 mg/kg MCT groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 1800 and 2400 mg/kg MCT substituting soybean oil in the diet of weaned rabbits can improve the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of weaned rabbits.