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The Effect of Different Re-Breeding Intervals on the Reproductive Performance of Rabbit

Ahmed M Adewole, Uneze, Chijioke U and, Oyibo, A Amaechi

Abstract

The research was carried out to study the effect of different re-breeding intervals on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Twenty mature does were randomly assigned to five bucks for mating. Five re-breeding intervals of 2,3,4,5, and 6weeks were used with 6weeks re-breeding interval serving as control. Reproductive parameters evaluated were: average gestation length, conception rate, number of still birth, average number of live birth, average litter size at birth, average kit mortality before weaning, average litter size at weaning and does body weight at re- mating. The results showed that average gestation length, conception rate, number of still birth, average litter size at birth, average kit mortality before weaning, average litter size at weaning were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the treatment groups. There were however, significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments on the mean number of kits born alive. Does that were rebred after 5weeks of parturition had significantly (P<0.05) more kits born alive (5.10 kits) than does in the 4weeks rebreeding interval which had a mean value of 2.80 kits. There was however no significant difference between does rebred at 2, 3 and 6weeks intervals in the number of live births. Does rebred after 4weeks of parturition had superior body weight of 1.86kg at re- mating, which was however not different from the values obtained for does rebred at 3, 5 and 6weeks which were 1.68kg. 1.78kg and 1.60kg respectively. These values were however, significantly different (P<0.05) from does rebred at 2weeks. It was therefore concluded that under good management practices, re-breeding interval of 3weeks will ensure optimum use of doe for breeding with increased number of kits per doe per year.

Keywords

Does; Re-breeding interval; Reproductive performance; Rabbits

References

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