The effects of fat sources on lipid profile in New Zealand rabbits

The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of different sources of fat (plant versus animal) on selected antioxidant profile in New Zealand rabbits. Eighteen male and female White New Zealand Rabbit Breed, weighing 1800-2700 gm and of average age 2.5 months were used in the second experiment. Rabbits were divided into three groups (each of six). They were kept in closed rooms in separate and individual cages; they were allowed to have free access to food and water. Three groups of rabbits were used in this experiment. One group was fed plain conventional rabbit feed, the second group was fed modulated feed by adding extra 7% fat from animal source (fresh butter extracted from raw milk of Egyptian cattle), and the third group was fed modulated feed of extra 7% fat from plant source origin (Sunflower oil); mixing and processing of the feed was done manually. The study showed significant increase in the plasma level of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglyceride in both fat fed groups compared to the control group, the difference is significant between the plant fed and animal fat fed groups with the latter showing great increase. Future studies should emphasize on using different concentrations of either plant or animal fat.