RESPONSE OF RABBIT LITTER TRAITS TO DIETS WITH DIFFERENT CRUDE PROTEIN LEVELS

A total of 64 mature rabbits (16 bucks and 48 does) assigned to four mating groups were used in a breeding experiment to evaluate the response of rabbit litter traits to diets with different crude protein levels. Control, Treatment 1, Treatment 2 and Treatment 3 received diets with 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein levels, respectively. All groups were fed 70 g of their respective experimental diets and forage for 4 weeks before mating till weaning of the kindled litters. Litter size and weight at birth, weekly intervals and weaning were measured. Data were analyzed with MStat Computer programme. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test and significance compared using Student Newman Keuls Method. Mean litter weight at birth ranged between 46.01 and 52.44 whereas between 174.41 and 272.97 was obtained at weaning. There were significant (P<0.01) differences among litter weights with increased crude protein contents. For all treatments, litter weight increased with age. Rabbits performed differently in litter birth weight when given different crude protein contents. Litter weight at weaning increased significantly (P<0.01) with increase in CP content of experimental diets. Heavy litter weights are expected from rabbits when fed rations with CP from 16% to 22%. Litter sizes of rabbits did not increase with crude protein contents. Rather, higher crude protein levels had the capacity of sustaining litter sizes in rabbits, by preventing mortalities. Positive relationships were observed between litter weight and treatments (0.305) as well as between litter weight and age (0.879), suggesting the improvement of rabbit litter weight with these parameters. Rabbits should be given improved nutrition to enhance their litter traits performances.