REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND POSTPARTUM SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBIT DOES FED SUPPLEMENTAL MAGNESIUM

Abstract

A total of 16 matured female mixed-bred rabbits with an average weight of 2.1kg were used to evaluate the effect of supplemental magnesium (Mg) on the reproductive performance and postpartum serum biochemistry. The study lasted for twelve weeks and was designed as a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments having 4 female rabbits per treatment. The Mg was administered at 0, 250, 500 and 750 mg per litre of water to T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the study period. The results showed that gestation length, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, mortality rate and kit weight at birth were not significant (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. However, Kit weight at weaning and kit weight gain of T1, T3 and T4, were similar, but significantly (p<0.05) lower than T2. Magnesium supplementation had no significant (p>0.05) effect on ALT, glucose, urea and total protein among treatment groups. The AST and ALP levels postpartum were however significantly different (p<0.05) among treatment groups. The AST level of T1 and T2 were similar, while T4 had the highest significant (p<0.05) value. The ALP levels of T1 and T2 were similar, whereas T3 and T4 were significantly (p<0.05) higher. Therefore, it was concluded that 250mg magnesium supplementation will improve the weight of the kits at weaning, and overall kits weight gain. Thus improving reproductive performance of breeding rabbit does.