Phytogenic Potential of Syzygium aromaticum in Enhancing Growth and Meat Quality in Rabbit Bucks
This study investigated the potential of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) as a phytogenic feed additive and identified its optimal dietary inclusion level for enhancing growth performance and carcass characteristics in growing rabbits. A total of thirty-six weaned rabbits (aged 2–3 months, initial weight 600–650 g) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). The groups consisted of a control diet (T1: 0 g/kg) and three experimental diets supplemented with clove at graded levels: T2 (5 g/kg), T3 (7.5 g/kg), and T4 (10 g/kg). The feeding trial lasted 20 weeks, during which growth performance parameters, feed intake, feed efficiency, and carcass traits were evaluated. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. The results demonstrated that dietary inclusion of S. aromaticum significantly (p < 0.05) influenced performance traits. While initial body weights were similar across treatments (647.37–661.30 g), final body weight, weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed efficiency improved notably in the clove-supplemented groups. Rabbits in T3 (7.5 g/kg) recorded the highest final body weight (2093.88 g), daily weight gain (10.21 g/day), and feed conversion efficiency (75.20%). T4 rabbits exhibited the highest feed intake (97.46 g/day), followed by T3 (95.03 g/day), indicating that clove inclusion may enhance palatability and appetite. Carcass evaluation revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in slaughter and carcass weights, particularly in T3, which recorded a slaughter weight of 2053.47 g and carcass weight of 1806.80 g. Although dressed weight was highest in T2 (1003.98 g), T3 showed superior values in forelimb and hindlimb weights, suggesting enhanced muscle deposition. These outcomes underscore the capacity of clove to positively modulate growth metabolism and tissue development in rabbits. The observed improvements are likely attributable to the bioactive compounds in clove—such as eugenol, flavonoids, and tannins—which possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and digestive-stimulant properties. These compounds may have enhanced nutrient utilization and gastrointestinal health, thereby promoting better growth and carcass outcomes. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with S. aromaticum at 7.5 g/kg is recommended as the optimal inclusion level for improving feed efficiency, growth performance, and carcass quality in rabbits. The use of clove as a natural phytogenic feed additive offers a promising, sustainable alternative to synthetic growth promoters in rabbit production systems.
Keywords: Syzygium aromaticum, phytogenic feed additive, rabbit growth, carcass characteristics, feed efficiency
