ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of sodium bi-carbonate buffer, vitamin C and Baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM) on growth and reproductive performance of rabbits under tropical environment. Four experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, a total of thirty (30) weaned rabbits were used. The rabbits were allotted into the treatment groups with six (6) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in the first group (T1) were the control, animals in the treatment 2 and treatment 3 (T2) and (T3) were fed with diets as in the controls and given potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) buffer respectively. Rabbits in treatment four (T4) were fed diet containing synthetic vitamin C and the fifth group (T5) was fed diet containing BFPM. Rabbits were given access to feed and water ad libitum. All recommended managerial practices were dully observed. Microclimate parameters of ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) of the rabbitry were taken daily from February through June. The values were used to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). Parameters monitored and measured on weekly basis included weight gain, feed intake and thermoregulatory parameters such as respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and ear temperature (ET). Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from the ear vein at 10.00 h from four animals chosen randomly from each group of rabbits respectively before, and at the end of the experiment and serum metabolite and thyroxine hormone levels were evaluated. In experiment two, a total of 50 adult rabbits were used comprising 25 males and 25 females. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups, with ten (10) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits were arranged in treatment groups as stated above. Parameters monitored were: thermoregulatory parameters, serum metabolites, thyrosine, testosterone and progesterone hormonal assay, semen quality characteristic, sperm morphology, epididymal and gonadal sperm reserve and reproductive performance of the female rabbits. In experiment 3, a total of thirty (30) weaned rabbits were used. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups, with six (6) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomize design. The animals were fed diets containing graded levels [0.0% (Control), 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5%] of BFPM. Parameters monitored were the same as in experiment one. In experiment four, 50 adult rabbits were used, comprising 25 males and 25 females. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups, with ten (10) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits were arranged in treatment groups as in experiment three and parameters evaluated were the same as in experiment two. It was found that the THI values of year A and B were similar. THI of March to May showed that environmental conditions were stressful in these months to the animals. Vitamin C and BFPM significantly (P<0.05) reduced thermoregulatory parameters and enhanced feed intake compared to the treatments buffers. BFPM significantly (P<0.05) increased hormonal concentrations, semen quality of bucks and reproductive performance of does compared to other treatments. When graded levels of BFPM were used, it was found that the treatments with 4.5% and 5.5% significantly (P<0.05) reduced thermoregulatory parameters and enhanced feed intake compared to other treatments. While 2.5% and 3.5%BFPM, increased weight gain and final weight of growing rabbits, the treatments with 3.5 – 5.5% BFPM significantly (P<0.05) increased hormonal levels, semen quality of the rabbits and reproductive performance of does. It was concluded that BFPM is more effective in ameliorating heat stress in rabbit production and reproduction and can be used up to 5.5% inclusion level.
PLEASE NOTE
This material is a comprehensive and well-researched project, structured into
(1 - 5) chapters for clarity and depth.
To access the full content:
Click the Download Button Below
Or contact our support team via Call/WhatsApp: 09019904113 for further inquiries.
Thank you for choosing us!
