Effect of Ghrelin and Ration Composition on Milk Output and Feed Intake in Rabbits

The aim of the study was to determine plasma ghrelin concentrations in rabbits. The first part of the experiment focused on plasma ghrelin concentrations in does which were at different physiological stages and received diets with different fat contents. Plasma ghrelin levels were determined in 3-month-old rabbits after 12-hour feed withdrawal and 60 minutes after feed intake. The second part of the experiment investigated the effect of exogenous ghrelin administered to dams on the course of the lactation and weight gains of young rabbits from birth to weaning. The results of the first experiment show that plasma ghrelin levels vary according to the physiological stage of the does. The addition of 2% rapeseed oil to the diet of the does had an inhibitory effect on ghrelin secretion by significantly decreasing its plasma levels. Analysis of plasma ghrelin levels in 3-month-old rabbits subjected to feed withdrawal and following food intake revealed that ghrelin secretion increased when both oil-enriched and unsupplemented diets were fed after feed withdrawal. Ghrelin levels began to decline postprandially. The second part of the experiment demonstrated that ghrelin administered intraperitoneally to the lactating does had an effect on the milk output of the does and thus on the weight gains of the young rabbits.