The Potential Role of Citrus limon Powder as a Natural Feed Supplement to Boost the Productive Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Blood Biochemistry of Growing Rabbits

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although some studies have suggested that the flavonoids in Citrus limon possess numerous biological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities, a rabbit model has not been used to establish the beneficial effects and possible antioxidant activity of dried C. limon. Therefore, we investigated the hemato-biochemical alteration, thyroid activity, and antioxidant responses of dried C. limon as a powder in growing rabbits. By employing New Zealand White rabbits, we demonstrated that rabbits fed a diet supplemented with 1% dry lemon powder (DLP) or 2% DLP had an increase in their productive performance, better feed conversion, enhanced hematological and biochemical values, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that dry lemon supplementation might play a role as a growth enhancer for rabbits when administered at a maximum of 2% in the rabbit diet. In general, the addition of Citrus limon improved growth performance, physiology, and antioxidant status in serum and liver of the growing rabbit. ABSTRACT: The current study examined the influence of Citrus limon (dry lemon) on the hemato-biochemical profiles, and antioxidant indices of growing rabbits. Forty-eight growing New Zealand White rabbits (age, eight weeks; weight, 1543.33 ± 25 g) were allocated into three groups (16 animals each), the first group was (control) fed a basal diet, whereas the second and third groups were supplemented with dried lemon, 1% or 2% DLP, respectively. A GC-MS analysis of more than 27 active constituents was performed. Feed conversion efficiency was (p < 0.05) better with diets containing 1% or 2% dry lemon, compared to the control group. Hematological indexes were increased significantly with the addition of DLP compared to those in the control group. Adding 1% or 2% dry lemon to rabbit diet increased (p < 0.05) enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (TAC, SOD, GSH, GST, and CAT) in serum and liver tissues. Taken together, these data reveal the advantages and antioxidant effects of dry lemon supplementation for growing rabbits once supplemented at a maximum of 2% in their daily diet.