Evaluation of Large Animal Feed as an Alternative to Laboratory Rat Diets along with the Addition of Raisins as a Nutritional Supplement and its Impact on Growth and Fertility on Male Rat

This study evaluates the efficacy of large animal feed as an economical alternative to standard laboratory rodent diets in Wistar rats, with a focus on body weight, feed and water intake and reproductive health outcomes.

Three groups were observed over four weeks: 1^st a control group on standard rodent diets feed) C), 2^nd T1 group on large animal feed and 3^rd T2 group on large animal feed supplemented with raisins.

Body weight analysis showed that standard feed (C) supported higher overall weight gain, while T1 promoted elevated feed and water consumption, indicating its adequacy in maintaining growth. Interestingly, the addition of raisins (T2) led to decreased feed and water intake compared to T1, suggesting potential satiety or palatability effects. The sperm analysis assessments revealed that T2 enhanced sperm motility, particularly in rapid and progressive velocity, which may benefit reproductive efficiency. These findings underscore the potential of large animal feed, supplemented with raisins, to maintain essential physiological parameters, providing a viable alternative for certain laboratory settings.