MANAGEMENT, BLOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RABBITS REARED IN IMO STATE

Abstract

The scarcity of rabbits for research studies instigated this study which lasted for 3 months; on the management, haematological, serum biochemical and reproductive parameters of rabbits reared in the 3 zones (Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri) of Imo State. Data for this study were collected through questionnaire, on-the-farm assessment and sample (blood and semen) collection 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, while 47.17% of the rabbit house/environment was fairly clean, 30.19 % were dirty and 22.64 % were clean. Rabbits reared in Imo State, 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 reared in Imo State 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 (PCV = 30-50%; Hb 10-15 g/dl; RBC = 3.6- 7.5 x 10⁶/ml). Total serum protein, globulin and urea values were lower than normal reference values (TP 5-7 g/dl; globulin 2.5-4 g/dl; urea 20-45 mg/dl), recording 4.44 g/dl, 1.57 g/dl and 16.56 mg/dl, respectively. Semen parameters obtained from adult rabbit bucks reared in Imo State were found to be inferior to semen parameters of adult rabbit bucks reared in similar geographical locations and environment, but under standard management practices. This study is therefore necessary for the assessment and development of improved rabbit production strategies in Imo State.