Management, blood and reproductive parameters of rabbits reared in Imo State

Abstract

The management, haematological, serum biochemical and reproductive parameters of rabbits reared in the 3 zones (Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri) of Imo State were investigated. Data for this study were collected through questionnaire, on-the-farm assessment and fluid sample (blood and semen) from the rabbits. The hutch/cage type of housing is the most prevalent in Imo State, constituting 73.58 %. Most rabbit farmers in Imo State (45.28 %) combine concentrate and forage in rabbit feeding, 47.17 % of the rabbit house/environment were fairly clean, 30.19 % dirty and 22.64 % were clean. Rabbits with ages ranging from 5 – 8 months recorded average live weight of 1.91 kg, while annual average kindling and litter size of rabbit does reared in Imo State were 5.67 and 7.43, respectively; with average litter survival rate of 60.16 % between parturition and weaning. Haematological analysis of the adult rabbits recorded 27.80 %, 9.56 g/dl and 3.40 x 106/ml in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count, respectively, which were lower than normal reference values. Total serum protein, globulin and urea values were lower than normal reference values recording 4.44 g/dl, 1.57 g/dl and 16.56 mg/dl, respectively. Semen parameters obtained from adult rabbit bucks were inferior to semen parameters of adult rabbit bucks reared in similar geographical locations and environment, but under standard management practices. This study was therefore designed to assess the level of management, blood and reproductive parameters of rabbits in Imo State.