Authors : Ekanem Emma , I.P. Solomon , L.J. Isaac and A. Monsi
Abstract: Reproductive and haematologic responses of breeder rabbits offered two dietary regimes were studied. Twenty yearling does were used at five stages of pregnancy in a 2�5 factorial experiment involving the use of two types of diets (forage mash and mash alone). Serum chemistry values were determined at selected gestation periods in the rabbits. Total protein, albumin, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransaminase values decreased significantly with advancing gestations and recovered to about the initial (pre-pregnant) levels by 4-5 days post parturient. However, alkaline phospatase levels increased as gestation advanced but increased to about the initial pre-pregnant levels at about the same period after gestation. There was no statistical difference (p>0.05) between the dietary treatments. Similarly, differences in feed intake, weight gain, conception and kindling rates and number of rabbits weaned were not statistically different between the dietary regimes. Results showed that irrespective of the types of diet offered in the experiment, values of the serum components examined decreased systematically during pregnancy. The rabbit however tended to recover to values approaching pre-pregnant levels 4-5 days after kindling. The studies showed that the protein level (12.58%) in the commercial (poultry) grower ration used was inadequate to support optimum reproduction in rabbits and as a result farmers should supplement such diets with more protein to achieve the recommended 18% crude protein requirement. Similarly, forage use in the nutrition of rabbits should contribute fibre levels not exceeding 17% of the ration.
Ekanem Emma , I.P. Solomon , L.J. Isaac and A. Monsi , 2007. Reproductive and Haematological Responses of Breeder Rabbits Offered Two Dietary Regimes . Agricultural Journal, 2: 197-203.