The Effect Of Physiological Status On Nutrient Digestibility and some Blood Parameters Of The NewZealand White Doe Rabbit

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the possible effects of physiological status (non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating) on the nutrient digestibility and some blood parameters of Newzealand female rabbits. Nutrient intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lactating rabbits than in pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits. Values were however not significantly (P > 0.05) different between pregnant and non-pregnant does. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in nutrient digestibility and hematological indices for the three physiological states.

Blood glucose and total proteins were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in lactating does compared to the pregnant and non-pregnant does. Globulin was however significantly (P < 0.05) higher in pregnant and lactating does than in the non-pregnant.

Key words: Physiological status, Nutrient digestibility, Blood parameters, Newzealand White Rabbits

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol.2(2) 2004: 95-103