Probiotics lessens pathological changes in rabbits infected with hepatic coccidiosis

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits. Methods: A total of 30 White New Zealand rabbits of both sexes, aged 4-6 weeks and weighing 600-700 g, were divided into three groups. The first group of rabbits received probiotics (100 mg/L) in drinking water for 12 days, while the second group of rabbits served as a positive control. Both groups were challenged with 1 × 105 Eimeria stiedae oocysts. The third group of uninfected rabbits served as the negative control. The effects of probiotic treatment on fecal oocysts output, body growth gain, liver enzymes, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, packed cell volume, lymphocytes count and histopathological lesions were observed. Results: Compared to the positive control, rabbits treated with probiotics exhibited no diarrhea or mortality, and there was a significant reduction in fecal oocysts output. Additionally, body growth gain was significantly higher in probiotic-treated rabbits compared to the positive control. Furthermore, liver enzymes and white blood cell counts were decreased in treated rabbits, while red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume and lymphocyte count were elevated. Severe histopathological lesions were observed in the bile ducts and hepatic parenchyma of positive control rabbits compared to probiotic-treated and negative control groups. The study findings were statistically significant, with P values ranging from less than 0.001 to less than 0.05. Conclusions: Probiotics significantly improve the health performance of rabbits with hepatic coccidiosis by reducing pathological changes and stabilizing hematological parameters. Additionally, this product maintains substantial normal liver enzymes levels in infected rabbits, making it a safe and effective treatment for hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits.