LITTER CHARACTERISTICS AND PRE-WEANING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF LITTERS OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBIT DOES ADMINISTERED Panax ginseng EXTRACTS

Authors

  • T. C. Iwuji Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • U. Herbert Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P. M. B. 7276, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
  • M. A. Oguike Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P. M. B. 7276, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.4661

Keywords:

Ginseng, growth performance, litters, rabbits, pre-weaning

Abstract

This study was carried out to explore the potential benefits of ginseng, respond to organic farming and increase research in rabbits. It lasted for four weeks and was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State. A total of 18 adult New Zealand White lactating rabbit does were used in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments; FT1 (control), FT2 and FT3, containing 0, 200 and 400 mg of Panax ginseng extracts administered orally. Litter characteristics and pre-weaning growth performance of the litters were evaluated. Total milk intake (FT1 = 850.63 g; FT2 = 756.37 g; FT3 = 722.47 g), total litter weight gain (FT1 = 263.84 g; FT2 = 240.58 g; FT3 = 226.12 g) and litter weight at weaning (FT1 = 479.73 g; FT2 = 466.50 g; FT3 = 448.77 g) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the lactating rabbit does on FT2 and FT3.This study shows that administration of Panax ginseng extracts to lactating rabbit does decreases milk intake and weight gain of their litters.

Author Biographies

T. C. Iwuji, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science and Technology

U. Herbert, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P. M. B. 7276, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology

M. A. Oguike, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P. M. B. 7276, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology

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Published

2024-07-08

How to Cite

Iwuji, T. C., Herbert, U., & Oguike, M. A. (2024). LITTER CHARACTERISTICS AND PRE-WEANING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF LITTERS OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE RABBIT DOES ADMINISTERED Panax ginseng EXTRACTS. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 595–599. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.4661

Issue

2022: NSAP 2022 Proceedings

Section

Articles

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