INFLUENCE OF COSTUS ROOTS EXTRACT ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES AND BACTERIAL COUNT IN WEANING RABBITS

: The current investigation began at a private rabbitry farm in Qalyubia province, Egypt's during winter season. The study aimed to investigate the Saussurea lappa effects on productive performance, digestibility and biochemical blood of weaning rabbits. Sixty male California rabbits, aged 6 weeks and weighing an average of 591.03±11.9 g were divided randomly into four equal treatments. Supplementation of Saussurea lappa extract (costus roots) ( SLE ) was supplemented in drinking water for 3 days weekly until 12 weeks of age. Gp0 group was served as control , while, Gp1, Gp2 and Gp4 groups were received 100, 200 and 400 mg SLE/kg BW, respectively. Results showed that s ignificant increase (P≤0.05) in the combined final and gain weights of the Saussurea lappa treated group compared to the control and improved FCR. Interestingly, Gp4 recorded the highest final LBW and the best FCR. Levels of TP, Alb, Glo, AST, and ALT were nearly normal in rabbit's oral receiving water that had been gradually