ABSTRACT

The reproductive performance of rabbits at different re-mating intervals was investigated using 27 primiparous Dutch crosses. The does were placed on three treatment groups comprising re-mating at 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 5 weeks post-partum over a period of 8 months after their first parity. The does were fed fresh forage and concentrates ad libitum. Clean water was also provided. Receptivity, conception rate, gestation length, stillbirth, litter size at birth, litter birth weight, litter size at weaning, litter weight at 21 days, litter weight at weaning, body weights of doe at mating, kindling and weaning, rate of weight gain of kits were the parameters examined. Results showed that conception rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) for 3 weeks re-mating interval than 4 weeks (56.17%) and 5 weeks (44.53%) with 3 weeks recording 100%. There was also a highly significant effect (P<0.01) of re-mating intervals on stillbirth; with 3 weeks re-mating interval producing the highest (3.7%) while 4 weeks and 5 weeks re-mating intervals recorded 0.00% and 0.33%, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in gestation length, litter size at birth, litter birth weight, litter size at weaning, litter weight at 21 days among the 3 treatment groups. Results from pre-weaning mortality and body weight of does at mating, kindling and at weaning showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Does re- mated 4 weeks post- partum recorded higher litter size at birth (13.7) and litter weight at weaning (1522.22g). Receptivity was higher when does were re-mated 3 weeks post- partum and 4 week post-partuin than when re-mated 5 week post-partum. Does re-mated 5 weeks post-partum recorded the least in the following parameters; receptivity, conception rate, litter size at birth, at weaning, but a higher body weight of doe (2.5kg, 2.46kg and 2.56kg) at mating, weaning and kindling, respectively than 3 weeks and 4 weeks re-mated groups. Does re-mated 4 weeks post-partum had greater number of kits weaned per doe and subsequently increased number of kindling per doe per year. In conclusion therefore, re-mating does 4 weeks post-partum appeared better because it recorded no stillbirth, and higher litter size at birth, higher litter weaning weight all of which are indicative of higher reproductive efficiency.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page .....

Certification ii

Declaration iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of Content vi

List of Table viii

List of Figure ix

Abstract X

CHAPTER 1

Introduction....

Statement of the problem . 2

Objective of the study... ... 3

Justification of the Study... 3

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Sexual behaviour... .. 4

2.1 Effect of nutrition on reproduction.... 6

2.2 Breeding... 7

2.3 Post-partum breeding ... 8

2.4 Mating... 9

2.5 Palpation 10

2.6 Pseudo pregnancy 11

2.7 Re-mating interval effects 11

2.7.0 Effects on Conception rate 11

2.7.1 Effects on Gestation length 12

2.7.2 Effects on Receptivity 13

2.7.3 Effects on Stillbirth 14

2.7.4 Effects on Litter size and litter weight 14

2.7.5 Effects on Weaning and weaning weight 18

2.7.6 Effect on Body weight of doe 20

2.7.7 Effect on Milk production 21

2.7.8 Effect on Growth rate 22

2.7.9 Effect on Mortality.. 23

CHAPTER 3

3.0 Materials and methods 25

3.1 Location and duration of the experiment 25

3.2 Experimental design 25

3.2.1 Experimental model 25

3.3 Management of animals 25

3.3.1 Housing... 25

3.3.2 Feeding.... 26

3.4 Breeding of does and assessment.... 26

3.5 Experimental procedure.... ... 27

3.6 Parameters Measured... 28

3.7 Statistical analysis .... 28

CHAPTER 4

4.0 Results and Discussion 29

4.1 Receptivity ...... 29

4.2 Conception Rate 29

4.3 Gestation Length 31

4.4 Still BirthlPre Weaning Mortality 32

4.5 Litter Size at Birth and At Weaning 32

4.6 Litter Weight at Birth and at Weaning 33

4.7 Body Weight of Doe 34

4.8 Body Weight and Weight Gain of Kits 35

4.9 Conclusion And Recommendations 37

References 38

Appendices