Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) in rabbit nutrition

Jerusalem artichoke is crop with the possibility of a wide using. The main nutrient of this plant is a non-starch polysaccharide inulin, which is considered like prebiotic. Young rabbits after weaning lose an immunity obtained from colostrum; are stressed by weaning; pre-moult; the permanent incisors are growing and a starch digestion by an enzyme amylase is not fully developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplement of dried Jerusalem artichoke tuber and tops (the sources of non-starch saccharide) on growth performance and health status of broiler rabbits after weaning in view of prices and efficiency of feeding mixtures. The test was realized through experiments with a different percentage of Jerusalem artichoke tuber (25%, 10%) and top (30%, 20%, 10%). Every experiment was composed of 2 groups – the control group without a supplement of Jerusalem artichoke and an experimental group with a different percentage of Jerusalem artichoke tuber and top. Experimental animals (1095 HY PLUS broiler rabbits) were weaned at 33 - 35 days of age and were fed by complete granulated feeding mixture ad libitum for the whole feeding period. Statistical analyses were performed by using SAS 9.3 The statistical differences ( P <0.05) were found in average daily gain (rabbits fed 25% Jerusalem artichoke tubers 42.37±13,96 g/day vs. control 36.42±12.91 g/day) and mortality (rabbits fed 10% Jerusalem artichoke tubers 4.17% vs. control 10.83%; rabbits fed.20% Jerusalem artichoke tops 5.26% vs. control 16.67%).