EFFECT OF Ficus asperifolia AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF NEWZEALAND WHITE RABBITS RAISED UNDER TROPICAL CONDITION

Abstract

A 12-weeks study was conducted to evaluate effect of Ficus asperifolia aqueous extract on the reproductive performance of Newzealand white rabbits raised under tropical condition. A total of 18 matured rabbit does and 6 bucks (New Zealand White breed) with average weight of 2100.00±89.21g were allotted into three treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in treatment 1 ((T1; control)) received 0 ml of distilled water, while those in T2 and T3 were administered orally, 10ml and 20ml of Ficus asperifolia aqueous extract, respectively. Data collected on the reproductive performance of the does were subjected to One Way analysis of variance in a complete randomized design (CRD). Significant differences (p<0.05) among means were separated using Duncan-Multiple Range Test as contained in SAS (2010). Results revealed that rabbit does administered 10ml and 20ml aqueous Ficus asperifolia leaves extracts recorded similar and higher (83.33%) breeding efficiency compare to the 50% of rabbit does administered 0ml. Fertility index was significantly (p<0.05) highest in rabbit does administered 20ml (5.17) and lowest control group (3.17). Doe weight at kindling (2567.33g) and weaning (2600.00g) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the control group than rabbit does administered Ficus asperifolia leaves extract. This study therefore cconcluded that
Ficus asperifolia leaves extract improved reproductive performance in the does as does administered Ficus asperifolia leaves extract significantly (p<0.05) exhibited higher breeding efficiency and fertility index and reduced weight at kindling and weaning than the control.