M. O. Yuzviak¹*, Y. V. Lesyk^1,2, Y. T. Salyha¹

¹Institute of Animal Biology, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv;
²Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University, Drohobych, Ukraine;
*e-mail:maruk7991@gmail.com

Received: 17 December 2024; Revised: 10 March 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025

It is generally known that rabbits cannot effectively ensure thermoregulation of their body at temperatures above 18-21°C due to the absence of sweat glands and thick fur. Heat stress negatively affects the metabolic processes and reproductive function of rabbits. One of the approaches to mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress is using organic compounds of trace elements created using nanotechnology. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant protection indicators in the blood of animals under conditions of severe heat stress and the introduction of nanoparticles of zinc citrate, selenium, and germanium as a feed additive. Young rabbits of the Termonska Bila breed aged from 35 to 78 days were divided into groups of 6 animals. The control group received the main diet and water without restrictions. Rabbits of experimental groups I, II, and III consumed the same food as the control. Still, within 24 h, they received water: group I – 12 mg Zn/kg, group II – 60 μg Se/kg, group III – 12.5 μg Ge/kg. Within 15 days, the temperature in the room was increased from 28.9 to 30°C for 4 h per day using an electric air heater to provide severe heat stress according to the temperature-humidity index. It was found that the addition of zinc citrate and selenium nanoparticles contributed to positive changes in the functioning of the antioxidant defense system, which was changed due to severe heat stress. In contrast, the protective effect of germanium citrate was less pronounced.