Effects of Dietary Nisin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health and Cecal Microbiota in Rabbits

This study evaluated the impact of dietary nisin supplementation as an antibiotic alternative on New Zealand white rabbits. We assessed growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology, tight junction gene expression, and cecal microbiota composition. Rabbits were fed a basal diet supplemented with either kitasamycin (positive control) or one of three nisin doses (600, 800, or 1000 mg/kg). Results showed that nisin, particularly at 800 mg/kg, significantly enhanced growth, improved lipid metabolism and antioxidant status, strengthened intestinal barrier function, and modulated the cecal microbiota structure and function. This project provides supporting data for the use of nisin in sustainable animal production.