Reproductive performance of breeding rabbits fed by graded levels of cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaf meal
Abstract. Twenty breeding does and 4 rabbit bucks aged 28 weeks, weighing between 1622 to 1746g ,were used to investigate the reproductive performance of breeding does fed by graded levels of cassava leaf meal (CLM). The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments viz: T (control), T...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Trakia University. Faculty of Agriculture, Stara Zagora
2016-12-01
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| Series: | Agricultural Science and Technology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://agriscitech.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/007.pdf |
| Summary: | Abstract. Twenty breeding does and 4 rabbit bucks aged 28 weeks, weighing between 1622 to 1746g ,were used to investigate the reproductive
performance of breeding does fed by graded levels of cassava leaf meal (CLM). The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments
viz: T (control), T , T and T with CLM inclusion levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, after balancing for live weight. Each rabbit was 1 2 3 4
individually caged and served as a replicate. The feeding trial lasted for 17 weeks. The results showed that does on diet T (100%) achieved the 2
highest conception rate, followed by T (75%) and T (75%) and the least in T (66.67%). Average daily weight change and change in weight 3 4 1
during pregnancy were the highest (p<0.05) in T . Litter size at birth was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T (2.67), while litter size at weaning was 4 4
significantly (p<0.05) higher in T (3.67) Average birth and weaning weights were significantly (p<0.05) higher in treatment T . Percentage of still 3 . 4
birth was higher in T (60%) while pre-weaning mortality was the highest in T (5). It was concluded that the inclusion of up to 30% of CLM in 2 1
rabbit diet may support reproductive performance in female rabbits. It is recommended that further studies on the feeding potential of cassava
leaf meal at higher levels of inclusion on reproductive performance be investigated. |
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| ISSN: | 1313-8820 1314-412X |