Effect of Scrophularia Striata Boiss Extract on in Vitro Gas Production Parameters, Concentration and Volatile Fatty Acids Profile and Hydrolytic Enzyme Activity in Ceca Contents of Male Adults Rabbits

IIn this study, the effect of different levels of Scrophularia striata extract on the parameters of laboratory gas production, the concentration of volatile fatty acids and the activity of hydrolytic enzymes on the contents of the cecum of adult male rabbits were investigated. For this purpose, 20 New Zealand rabbits weighing approximately 1.6 ± 0.2 kg (5 months and up) were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. Treatments included 1) without receiving Scrophularia striata extract (control), and supplementing the control diet with levels of 2) 200, 3) 300 and 4) 400 mg of Scrophularia striata extract per kg of body weight. The control group received 2 ml of water instead of the extract. At the end of the experimental period and after slaughter of rabbits, the contents of their cecum were sampled and the parameters of gas production, concentration of volatile fatty acids and activity of hydrolytic enzymes of cecal sample were determined. The results showed that consumption of Scrophularia striata extract reduced the volume of gas produced (p<0.05) and the total amount of volatile fatty acids (p= 0.01). Consumption of Scrophularia striata extract increased the activity of alpha-amylase (p= 0.02) and microcrystalline cellulase (p= 0.01) linearly, but did not significant e ffect on carboxymethylcellulose and filter paper decomposition activity. In general, the extract of the Scrophularia striata was able to affect the microbial and enzymatic activities of the rabbit colon, so that the microbial activity decreased with the consumption of this plant and eventually led to less gas production and reduced production of volatile fatty acids.production and reduced production of volatile fatty acids.