Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Eucalyptus, Marjoram, and Artemisia Extracts or Their Mixture on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Economic Efficiency in Growing Rabbits

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of eucalyptus, marjoram, and artemisia extracts and their mixture on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, digestibility coefficients, and economic performance of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Twenty-five rabbits (877.32 ± 40.61 g), aged 5 weeks, were randomly assigned to five experimental groups. Five dietary treatments were formulated, including a basal diet (control, T1), T2 (basal diet + 20 ml eucalyptus oil/50 kg feed), T3 (basal diet + 20 ml marjoram oil/50 kg feed), T4 (basal diet + 75 ml artemisia extract/50 kg feed), and T5 (basal diet + 10 ml eucalyptus oil + 10 ml marjoram oil + 40 ml artemisia extract/50 kg feed). All supplemented groups showed significant (P<0.01) improvements in nutrient digestibility compared to the control, with the mixture group (T5) recording the highest values for organic matter (75.87%), crude protein (81.20%), and crude fiber (45.53%). Growth performance was enhanced, where T5 achieved the highest final body weight (2813 g), while T4 recorded the greatest total weight gain (1911 g). Feed conversion ratio improved in all treated groups, with T5 being the most efficient (2.26) versus control (3.30). Blood parameters indicated improved protein metabolism in T4. Carcass traits showed higher slaughter weight in T5, while dressing percentage remained unaffected significantly across groups. Economically, T4 achieved the highest net revenue (189.34 LE/rabbit), followed by T3 and T2. In conclusion, phytogenic additives enhanced rabbit productivity, health status, and profitability, with artemisia and herbal mixtures showing the most promising effects.