The objective was to evaluate the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and vitamin E and Selenium as antioxidants (AO) on carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality of New Zealand white rabbits. After weaning age, all experimental rabbits were distributed into four treatments groups. The treatments 1, 2 and 3 were given 75 mg of GA3/1litr, 1 ml of AO/1litr and mixture of them (same concentrations) in drinking water, respectively during fattening period (20 weeks). While, the control group (C) had no addition in drinking water. The obtained results confirmed that gibberellic acid and antioxidants added groups had significant (P≤0.05) higher dressed carcass, liver percentages, carcass lengths, fatness, protein, Ca and Fe percentages of meat content. Likewise, significant effects were found on sensory attributes (tenderness and juiciness), texture and pH of meat. However, no significant differences in percentages of heart, kidney, dissectible fat, Lean: bone ratio, moisture, ether extract, ash, P, aroma, taste, flavor and water holding capacity (WHC) were found among all groups. Also, Na of meat content of antioxidants added groups were significantly lower than the control and GA3 groups. In conclusion, using gibberellic acid with or no antioxidants as a water supplement confirms its potentiality and non-harmful effect which matches with the consumer's desire and health.

A total of forty eight, 8 weeks old, unsexed, New Zealand white rabbits (NZW) were, randomly, distributed into four groups (12 rabbit each) to examine the effect of Gibberellic acid (GA3) and/or antioxidants (AO) on the productive and reproductive performance. During experimental period, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 75 mg of GA3/liter, 100 IU of vitamin E/liter and mixture of GA3 & V. E with the same level in drinking water, respectively. While, the fourth group was used as a control (without any additive in drinking water). Generally, the obtained results exhibited that GA3 & VE treated groups were significantly (P 0.05) better during growing period than that in reproductive period. Significant (P 0.05) effects were observed in body weight (g), daily gain (g/d), feed conversion ratio, dressed carcass, liver percentages and economical efficiency in treated groups compared to control group. Conception rate and litter size at birth, 4 and 8 weeks of age as well as healthy disorders were significantly (P 0.05) increased in V. E treated group and control than that in GA3 treated group. On the other hand, no significant differences were demonstrated in feed intake, gestation period, bunny weight at birth, 4 and 8 weeks of age and pre-weaning mortality rate. In conclusion, using Gibberellic acid and antioxidants as a water supplement confirm nonharmful effect during growing period, while, using antioxidants (V. E) as water supplement is beneficial factor during reproductive period.