Effects of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seeds Saponin on Digestibility, N-Retention, Hematological parameters and blood Metabolites in Rabbits

Twelve rabbits were used to examine the effect of dietary saponin of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds on voluntary feed intake, digestibility, N-retention and some blood metabolites. Animals were randomly assigned to three different treatments (0, 0.5 and 1 gram of saponins extract per day) with four animals per treatment. Before feeding, the different levels of fenugreek saponins extract were fed at 9:00 am, mixed with small quantities of carrot and bananas daily for a period of six weeks. Voluntary feed intake, dry matter digestibility, and live body weight gain significantly (P < 0.05) increased in rabbits fed 0.5 and 1 gram fenugreek saponins extract. The N-retention improved in rabbits consumed 0.5 and 1 gram fenugreek saponins extract compared with the control. In contrast, cholesterol and triglyceride showed a significant reduction in rabbits (p < 0.05) consumed the fenugreek saponions extract (0.5 and 1 gram) compared to the control. Hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count significantly (p < 0.05) increased in rabbits fed fenugreek saponins extract compared to the control. Inclusion of fenugreek saponins extract to the diet concluded positive effects on production, hematological parameters and blood Metabolites of rabbits.