A REVIEW OF POTENTIAL USES OF LEMONGRASS AND FENUGREEK AS ALTERNATIVE ANTIBIOTICS IN RABBIT INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigerian rabbit industry is a vital sector for addressing national animal protein deficits; however, its heavy reliance on synthetic antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) has worsened the public health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. This literature review evaluates the potential of phytogenic feed additives, specifically lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), as sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotics in rabbit production. Current research indicates that the unique phytochemical profiles of these plants, including the antimicrobial properties of citral in lemongrass and the prebiotic saponins in fenugreek, effectively promoting beneficial gut bacteria by mimicking the growth-promoting effects of synthetic AGPs. Specifically, dietary supplementation with 150 mg/kg of lemongrass oil significantly enhances final live weight, carcass traits, and dressing percentages in growing rabbits (El-Komy et al., 2020). Furthermore, the inclusion of lemongrass extract at 4 g/kg has been documented to boost the relative immune response by significantly increasing blood immunoglobulin G concentrations (Safwat et al., 2021). Fenugreek acts as a potent prebiotic and galactagogue. In vitro characterization shows that 984 g/kg of fenugreek seed gum is fermented by rabbit caecal bacteria, which promotes the production of volatile fatty acids
and inhibits pathogens by lowering gut pH (Jihed, 2020). Growth performance trials found that rabbits supplemented with fenugreek achieved a significantly higher average weight gain of 416.00 g compared to 313.83 g in control groups (Olanrewaju et al., 2019). Furthermore, both plants exhibit strong antioxidant properties that enhance the overall immune response and physiological health of weaned rabbits. The review concludes that lemongrass and fenugreek are highly viable, cost-effective, and safe alternative antibiotics. Adopting these natural additives can help the Nigerian rabbit industry mitigate the risks of antimicrobial resistance, reduce feed production cost and transition toward more sustainable and healthy production systems.