Abstract
This study investigated the effect of Aspillia africana leaves on reproduction of rabbit and was conducted at the rabbit section of the University Teaching and Research Farm of Joseph Ayo Babalola University Ikeji-Arakeji Osun State, Nigeria. The experiment has a complete randomized design with four treatments and one control. Each treatment has two replicates as well as the control. Twenty-four (24) cross-breed (New Zealand White and Flemish) rabbits were used. (Twenty primiparous Does, and four bucks). The A. africana leave was harvested and sun dried and then grinded into powder form in the laboratory. The grinded leave of A. africana was mixed with concentrate from a reputable feed mill in Nigeria in ratio of Concentrate: Aspillia leaves treatments and control allocated. Treatment A (80:20), Treatment B (60:40) Treatment C (40:60), Treatment D (20:80) and control (100:0). The average weekly weight gain, gestation period, birth weight, weight at parturition, litter size and survival of the does were taken and computed for statistical analysis. Among the treatments, Treatment C showed a higher birth weight, implying a better conversion and utilization of the feed (Concentrate (40%): A. africana dried leave (60%) combination) by the fetus with average birth weight of 42.50 g. Analysis of the feed composition also showed 24.25% protein, and the energy 2942.69ME/kcal. The use of A. africana dried leave can be safely used, and recommended as observed at the level of inclusion in Group C treatment in this study, especially in the dry season to the farmers to upgrade the reproductive potential of their rabbits. Key words: Rabbit, Aspillia africana leave, effect, reproduction.
Highlights
Rabbit production is one of the livestock enterprises with the greatest potential and opportunity for expansion in Nigeria
To establish the effect of A. africana leaves on reproductive performance of rabbit, taking into consideration the gestation length, parity, birth weight, litter size and survival rate of the kids. ii
The performance test of A. africana leaves on reproduction of rabbit using different treatments and parameters are presented in Tables 3, 4, Figures 1 and 2
Summary
It is of great importance that feed given to rabbit must ensure good maintenance, and high productivity, taking into consideration the effective utilization of the feed, sound reproductive performance, in term of fertility, gestation period, parity, birth weight and Adedeji et al 233 survival rate of the litters as well as profitability. This is the main focus of this research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
