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Dec 31, 2020Keywords:
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FEED RESTRICTION DURING PREGNANCY WITH DIETARY VITAMIN E INCLUSION: EFFECT ON WEIGHT OF GESTATING RABBIT DOES IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of feed restriction and vitamin E inclusion during pregnancy on weight of does.
Sixty rabbits of 20 weeks old ranging from 1.7-2.0 kg were randomly assigned into 12 treatments of 5 replicates
during pregnancy. The rabbit does were subjected to two levels of quantitative feed restriction (0%, 15%) at three
periods of gestation (15-19 days, 20- 24 days and 25-29 days) with or without vitamin E inclusion (0 and
300mg/kg). Data obtained were arranged in a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement. Interactive effects showed that higher
doe weight at kindling was obtained for rabbit does with 15% restriction at 15-19 days of gestation without
vitamin E inclusion. Levels and periods of feed restriction applied during pregnancy did not have detrimental
effects on the body condition of the does. Furthermore, higher doe weight at weaning obtained for gestating does
(15% restriction) with vitamin E inclusion at 15-19 days and 20-24 days of gestation showed that the rabbit does
were able to gain more weight after kindling. Hence, it was concluded that feed restriction, and periods of feed
restriction, with or without vitamin E inclusion during pregnancy improved body condition of does as there was
no abortion or excessive weight loss of the does. Thus, feed restriction can be exploited for gestating rabbit does
during the periods of feed scarcity as this will not affect the body conditions of the pregnant female rabbits.
