Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed, alone and combined with <i>Padina pavonica</i> algae extract, on growth performance and metabolic status in fattening rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alda Quattrone, Doriana Beqiraj, Nour Elhouda Fehri, Rafik Belabbas, Daniele Vigo, Laura Menchetti, Olimpia Barbato, Sebastiana Failla, Massimo Faustini, Shereen Salama Ghoneim, Bayrem Jemmali, Simona Mattioli, Michela Contò, Albana Munga, Alessandro Dal Bosco, Imène Ben Salem, Enkeleda Ozuni, Mehmet Erman Or, Egon Andoni, Fabio Gualazzi, Marta Castrica, Gabriele Brecchia, Giulio Curone
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Animals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2085
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1849304036112596992
author Alda Quattrone
Doriana Beqiraj
Nour Elhouda Fehri
Rafik Belabbas
Daniele Vigo
Laura Menchetti
Olimpia Barbato
Sebastiana Failla
Massimo Faustini
Shereen Salama Ghoneim
Bayrem Jemmali
Simona Mattioli
Michela Contò
Albana Munga
Alessandro Dal Bosco
Imène Ben Salem
Enkeleda Ozuni
Mehmet Erman Or
Egon Andoni
Fabio Gualazzi
Marta Castrica
Gabriele Brecchia
Giulio Curone
author_facet Alda Quattrone
Doriana Beqiraj
Nour Elhouda Fehri
Rafik Belabbas
Daniele Vigo
Laura Menchetti
Olimpia Barbato
Sebastiana Failla
Massimo Faustini
Shereen Salama Ghoneim
Bayrem Jemmali
Simona Mattioli
Michela Contò
Albana Munga
Alessandro Dal Bosco
Imène Ben Salem
Enkeleda Ozuni
Mehmet Erman Or
Egon Andoni
Fabio Gualazzi
Marta Castrica
Gabriele Brecchia
Giulio Curone
author_sort Alda Quattrone
collection DOAJ
description This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed, alone and combined with <i>Padina pavonica</i> algae extract, on growth performance and metabolic status in fattening rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to three groups, as follows: control (CNT), L (5% linseed), and LPP (3.5% linseed + 0.2% algae extract) from weaning (37 days) to slaughter (85 days). Productive performance was assessed through body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed intake (FI). Blood was sampled at weaning, 60 days, and slaughter and analyzed for insulin, leptin, cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3, T4), glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The L group showed significantly higher ADG (41.0 ± 1 g/d) and improved FCR (4.1 ± 0.2) compared to LPP (ADG: 37 ± 1 g/d, FCR: 4.6 ± 0.2; <i>p</i> = 0.001). No differences were observed in final BW or FI among groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Insulin peaked at 60 days across all groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with the LPP group showing the lowest levels (9.8 ± 0.9 µUI/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.043). T3 and T4 increased significantly with age (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and the T3/T4 ratio varied by diet and time (<i>p</i> = 0.005). Cortisol rose only at slaughter (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and negatively correlated with insulin and thyroid hormones. The results suggest that omega-3-rich nutraceuticals can enhance growth performance without disrupting metabolic balance and may modulate specific hormonal responses due to their bioactive compounds.
format Article
id doaj-art-9f688ceeeb504e3c96250f036c8d3a20
institution Kabale University
issn 2076-2615
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Animals
spelling doaj-art-9f688ceeeb504e3c96250f036c8d3a202025-08-20T03:55:49ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-07-011514208510.3390/ani15142085Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening RabbitsAlda Quattrone0Doriana Beqiraj1Nour Elhouda Fehri2Rafik Belabbas3Daniele Vigo4Laura Menchetti5Olimpia Barbato6Sebastiana Failla7Massimo Faustini8Shereen Salama Ghoneim9Bayrem Jemmali10Simona Mattioli11Michela Contò12Albana Munga13Alessandro Dal Bosco14Imène Ben Salem15Enkeleda Ozuni16Mehmet Erman Or17Egon Andoni18Fabio Gualazzi19Marta Castrica20Gabriele Brecchia21Giulio Curone22Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, ItalyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, AlbaniaDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, ItalyLaboratory of Research “Health and Animal Productions”, Higher National Veterinary School, Road Issad 26 Abes, Oued Smar, Algiers 16200, AlgeriaDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, ItalySchool of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, ItalyConsiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, ItalyAnimal Production Research Institute (APRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Dokki, Giza 12651, EgyptLR13AGR02, Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur 7030, TunisiaDepartment of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06124 Perugia, ItalyConsiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Via Salaria 31, 00015 Rome, ItalyFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, AlbaniaDepartment of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06124 Perugia, ItalyDépartement des Productions Animales, Service de Zootechnie et Economie Agricole Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de la Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, TunisiaFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, AlbaniaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34320, TürkiyeFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, AlbaniaSchool of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, ItalyDepartment of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, ItalyThis study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed, alone and combined with <i>Padina pavonica</i> algae extract, on growth performance and metabolic status in fattening rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to three groups, as follows: control (CNT), L (5% linseed), and LPP (3.5% linseed + 0.2% algae extract) from weaning (37 days) to slaughter (85 days). Productive performance was assessed through body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed intake (FI). Blood was sampled at weaning, 60 days, and slaughter and analyzed for insulin, leptin, cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3, T4), glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The L group showed significantly higher ADG (41.0 ± 1 g/d) and improved FCR (4.1 ± 0.2) compared to LPP (ADG: 37 ± 1 g/d, FCR: 4.6 ± 0.2; <i>p</i> = 0.001). No differences were observed in final BW or FI among groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Insulin peaked at 60 days across all groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with the LPP group showing the lowest levels (9.8 ± 0.9 µUI/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.043). T3 and T4 increased significantly with age (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and the T3/T4 ratio varied by diet and time (<i>p</i> = 0.005). Cortisol rose only at slaughter (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and negatively correlated with insulin and thyroid hormones. The results suggest that omega-3-rich nutraceuticals can enhance growth performance without disrupting metabolic balance and may modulate specific hormonal responses due to their bioactive compounds.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2085omega 3PUFAlinseed<i>Padina pavonica</i>marine algaemetabolic hormones
spellingShingle Alda Quattrone
Doriana Beqiraj
Nour Elhouda Fehri
Rafik Belabbas
Daniele Vigo
Laura Menchetti
Olimpia Barbato
Sebastiana Failla
Massimo Faustini
Shereen Salama Ghoneim
Bayrem Jemmali
Simona Mattioli
Michela Contò
Albana Munga
Alessandro Dal Bosco
Imène Ben Salem
Enkeleda Ozuni
Mehmet Erman Or
Egon Andoni
Fabio Gualazzi
Marta Castrica
Gabriele Brecchia
Giulio Curone
Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits
Animals
omega 3
PUFA
linseed
<i>Padina pavonica</i>
marine algae
metabolic hormones
title Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits
title_full Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits
title_fullStr Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits
title_full_unstemmed Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits
title_short Impact of Dietary Enrichment with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Extruded Linseed and <i>Padina pavonica</i> Algae Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolic Status in Fattening Rabbits
title_sort impact of dietary enrichment with omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed and i padina pavonica i algae extract on growth performance and metabolic status in fattening rabbits
topic omega 3
PUFA
linseed
<i>Padina pavonica</i>
marine algae
metabolic hormones
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2085
work_keys_str_mv AT aldaquattrone impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT dorianabeqiraj impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT nourelhoudafehri impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT rafikbelabbas impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT danielevigo impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT lauramenchetti impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT olimpiabarbato impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT sebastianafailla impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT massimofaustini impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT shereensalamaghoneim impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT bayremjemmali impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT simonamattioli impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT michelaconto impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT albanamunga impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT alessandrodalbosco impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT imenebensalem impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT enkeledaozuni impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT mehmetermanor impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT egonandoni impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT fabiogualazzi impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT martacastrica impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT gabrielebrecchia impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits
AT giuliocurone impactofdietaryenrichmentwithomega3polyunsaturatedfattyacidsfromextrudedlinseedandipadinapavonicaialgaeextractongrowthperformanceandmetabolicstatusinfatteningrabbits