Effect of three different fibre sources on the breeder rabbits’ performance during gestation and lactation period

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of rabbits fed diets containing three different cereal by-products as fibre sources. Wheat offal, maize offal and brewers dried grain were used to formulate the experimental diet and designated as D1, D2 and D3, respectively. Fifteen (15) sexually matured mixed bred rabbits comprising 12 does and 3 bucks, with average body weight range of 1850.0 to 2020.0g, were assigned to three treatment groups of 4 does to 1 buck. Each group was assigned to one of the experimental diets in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were housed individually in a double tier hutch throughout the experimental period of 6 months. Litter traits did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatment groups. Average weekly body weights during gestation differed (P<0.05) significantly between treatments both at first and second parities. On the contrary, a significant (P<0.05) treatment effect was observed at second parity during lactation on average weekly body weight. Average feed intake during gestation differed (P<0.05) between treatments at second parity.

Keywords: Breeder Rabbits, Fibre sources, Litter traits, Performance.