Abstract

This study assessed the effects of dietary supplementation with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and grape seed extract (GSE) on carcass traits, biochemical parameters, hematological indices, and immune gene expression in Alexandria and V-line rabbits. A total of 108 weaned male rabbits (54 per breed) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments: control, PPE (250 mg/kg), and GSE (250 mg/kg) for 56 days. GSE supplementation significantly increased live body weight in V-line rabbits (2030 g) compared with the control (1525 g), while PPE showed moderate improvements (1772 g). organ weights remained unaffected, with no adverse effects observed on blood biochemical parameters or hematological indices, further confirming the safety of both extracts . PPE improved lipid profiles in V-line rabbits by increasing HDL (26.60 mg/dL) and reducing LDL cholesterol, though triglycerides were elevated (P = 0.00) in Alexandria rabbits. Hematological analysis showed reduced (P = 0.02) white blood cell counts in supplemented groups, indicating decreased systemic inflammation. Gene expression analysis revealed that both extracts significantly upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10 (4.170 in V-line GSE) and pro-inflammatory TNF-α (3.048 in V-line GSE) compared to control (≈1.000), suggesting balanced immunomodulatory effects. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PPE and GSE at 250 mg/kg enhanced growth performance and modulated immune responses in rabbits with breed-specific variations, supporting their potential as functional feed additives in sustainable rabbit production systems.

Key words: Grape seed extract, Growth performance, Immune response, Pomegranate peel extract, Rabbits.