Abstract
BackgroundWe deciphered thermoregulatory activities of exotic breeds of rabbit in the event of least thermal discomfort in Ibadan, Nigeria. This investigation was carried out between July and August during the least temperature-humidity index (THI). Twenty bucks and 14 doe per breed, housed individually and randomly assigned to experimental units in a completely randomized design, were used for assessment of respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and ear temperature (ET). Measurements were taken between 07.00 to 09.00 h and 16.00 to 18.00 h of the day, using standard procedures.ResultThe result obtained showed that the effect of sex was evident in respiratory and heart rates, with males having higher values in the evening. But the core body temperature was not affected. Although the higher function of thermoregulatory apparatus of Fauve de Bourgogne, Chinchilla and British Spot rabbits were recorded, New Zealand White had lower core body temperature than other breeds.ConclusionWe reported that August was the most thermal comfortable period during the year for rabbit in Nigeria. New Zealand White has a lower core body temperature without a compensatory increase in thermoregulatory activities.
Highlights
We deciphered thermoregulatory activities of exotic breeds of rabbit in the event of least thermal discomfort in Ibadan, Nigeria
We reported that August was the most thermal comfortable period during the year for rabbit in Nigeria
Four exotic breeds of rabbit consisting of Fauve de Bourgogne, Chinchilla, British Spot and New Zealand White were used for the investigation
Summary
We deciphered thermoregulatory activities of exotic breeds of rabbit in the event of least thermal discomfort in Ibadan, Nigeria. This investigation was carried out between July and August during the least temperature-humidity index (THI). Heat stress is one of the most critical stressors especially in hot regions of the world. Factors such as species of animal, the physiological status of the animals, the relative humidity, velocity of ambient air and the degree of solar radiation determines animals’ zones of thermal comfort. Means by which animal maintains its body temperature is widely referred to as thermoregulation. The heat load in rabbit increases by exposure to a high environmental temperature, and animals try to sustain homeothermy by using internal physiological means to help re-establish
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