Effect of Varying Levels of Inclusion of Shea Nut (Vitellaria paradoxa) Meal on the Reproductive Performance and Mortality Rate of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus).

Abstract

Twenty (20) rabbit does aged between 4 – 5 months with average body weight of 1. 75 kg, were used to study the effect of feeding varying level of inclusion of shea nut meal (SNM) on the reproductive performance of doe rabbits. The does were randomly assigned into five groups comprising four rabbits each and were fed diets designated T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 which contained varying level of SNM. T1 which served as control, had 0% SNM while T2 – T5 had 10, 15, 20 and 25% SNM, respectively. Parameters measured were gestation length, litter size, litter weight, kitten mortality, and milk yield. The result obtained indicated no significant (P<0.05) difference in litter size and milk yield. However, birth weight of kitten, mortality and gestation length differed significantly (P<0.05) among the different groups. Does on T3 recorded the highest birth weight (3.50 kg) and the least mortality rate (7.14 %). Does in T4 and T5 which had higher levels of SNM recorded a lower kitten birth weight (2.50 kg, respectively), higher mortality (50.00 % and 41.18 %) and higher gestation length (31.33 and 30.33 days). Does fed T1 which served as the control diet produced kittens with the least birth weight (1.75 kg). Kittens in this group
recorded the highest mortality rate (70 %). It was concluded that up to 15 % of SNM can be incorporated into the diet of rabbits without any adverse effects on reproductive parameters.

Keywords: Shea Nut Meal (SNM), Rabbits, Reproduction, Mortality.