Rabbit meat (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) enriched in omega 3 with a feed containing euphorbia (Euphorbia heterophylla L.)

Abstract

Euphorbia heterophylla is a weed whose leaves and stems can make up 70% of the diet of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.). In addition, its content in α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n-3) (56% of total fatty acids) is close to that of flax (Linum usitatissimum). To contribute to a better nutritional balance of populations, we investigated the effect of the duration of the supplementation of a pellet-based diet (MOD0) with leaves and stems of this weed on the contents in linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 n-6) and ALA of semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi muscles, and perirenal adipose tissue of growing rabbits. The control diet (MOD0) was supplemented with 50% of euphorbia dry matter from birth to three months old (MOD90) or with 50% of euphorbia dry matter only for one month between 61 and 91 days old (MOD30). The LA/ALA ratios were 9.8, 2.1 and 1.5 in the semimembranosus muscle, 11.8, 4.6 and 2.1 in the longissimus dorsi, and 8.6, 2.0 and 1.0 in perirenal fat for MOD0, MOD30 and MOD90, respectively (p < 0.001). The 30-day minimum supplementation with euphorbia had a positive impact on LA/ALA ratios that fell under international recommendations (≤ 5) for human nutrition. In conclusion, the adequate supplementation of rabbit diets with euphorbia, in areas where it abounds, will benefit human health.