Effects Of Different Protein Sources On The Reproductive Performance Of Does

ABSTRACT

Eighteen grower rabbits were used to evaluate the effects of different protein sources on the reproductive performance of does. There were three treatments:T1, T2and T3 with each treatment having six rabbits. The experiment lasted for 138 days. The results obtained from the experiment showed that there were no significant differences (p>O.05) among all the reproductive parameters measured. The gestation length showed no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment means though T1 showed a low numerical value of 29.75 days. The litter size at birth showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the treatment. Means for litter weight at birth, litter weekly weights for four weeks and litter weaning weight equally showed no significant difference. The pre weaning mortality showed no significant difference (p>0.05) though T2had the lowest numerical value of 1.50. It was concluded therefore that the three treatment diets had no effect on the parameters taken but T2can be recommended since it is relatively cheaper and readily available than the other treatment diet