Effect of flushing on reproductive performance of rabbits.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v32i1.1068Keywords:
Rabbit, flushing, protein, doe, litter, performanceAbstract
Twenty eight (28) multiparous crossbred does were placed on four diets consisting of 16, 18, 20 and 24% CP for two weeks before mating and one week after mating to evaluate the effect of flushing on the reproductive performance of rabbits. The does were placed on 16% CP diet during pregnancy and 18% CP diet during lactation
Results obtained showed similar (P>0.05) weight changes and feed intake for all the groups though does fed the 16% CP diet lost weight. Does flushed with 18, 20 and 24% CP had slightly larger litter size at birth while 18% and 20% CP flushed does had slightly larger litter size alive at birth than 16 and 24% CP does. Litter size at 21 days postpartum was significantly (P<0.05) higher for does flushed with 20 and 24% CP than those flushed with 16 and 18% CP. Litter weights were significantly (p<0.05) higher for 20% and 24% CP flushed than 16 and 18% CP flushed does at 7 , 14- and 21-day postpartum. Stillbirths increased with increase in protein level up to 20% CP level before decreasing slightly ar 24% CP. Kit mortality rates at 0-7, 7-14 and 14-21 days postpartum were similar (P>0.05) but numerically lower for 20 and 24% CP flushed does. Total kit mortality rale (0-21 days postpurtum) was significantly (P<0.05) higher for does flushed with 16 and 18% CP diets. It is concluded from this study, that flushing multiparous does with 20 and 24% CP diets gave better reproductive performance than with 16 and 18% CP diets. Feeding 16% CP diel to does during pregnancy does not appear to meet their protein requirement for gestation