The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on digestion and mortality in the volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate whether supplementation with a probiotic could enhance digestion and reduce mortality in the volcano rabbit in captivity. Two enclosures at Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico (114 individuals) were used in a crossover design (two periods of 60 days) with the following treatments: control group and supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2x10(8) CFU/exhibit/day). Supplementation with the probiotic negatively affected (P<0.01) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and energy. Mortality increased (P<0.04) following supplementation with the probiotic (4.26% vs. 8.89%), primarily in the juvenile rabbits. The results indicate that yeast supplementation in the volcano rabbit negatively affects digestion and mortality in captivity.