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Abstract

Growth performance analysis under this study evaluated the dietary impact of β-galacto-oligosaccharides (β-GOS). Scientists have established that prebiotic β-GOS promotes health in the gut tissue, thus leading to enhanced productivity alongside improved general health during dexamethasone-induced stress conditions. Objectives: To investigate whether the addition of β-GOS to rabbit diets would positively affect their physiology-linked weight gain as well as their feed efficiency and developmental metrics. Methods: A 12-week experiment with 40 rabbits belonging to 3 ± 0.98 months of age and weighing 1.48 ± 0.41 kg allocated 8 animals to each dietary treatment group. Among all monitored aspects, live body weight and food intake, and feed conversion efficiency (FCR) were ranked as significant items. Rabbits received feed consumption measurements each day and underwent body weight assessment every week.  Results: Feeding rabbits β-GOS under stress greatly improved their health and growth performance. Compared to Groups A-D, Group E (D-S15 + 0.3% β-GOS) had the greatest FCR and the largest gain in live body weight. The group that consumed the most feed was Group A (Negative Control). Group E. Conclusions showed the most efficient feed conversion. Conclusions: It was concluded that supplementing stressed rabbits with β-GOS can successfully increase their growth, feed conversion efficiency, and general health, providing a useful dietary strategy to alleviate growing deficits caused by stress.