COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF PREGNANT RABBIT DOES SUBJECTED TO DIFFERENT LEVELS AND PERIODS OF CONCENTRATE FEED RESTRICTION

Abstract

There has been increased interest in studying feed restriction in rabbits as a means of reducing the cost of production. This study evaluated the cost benefit of restrictive feeding on pregnant rabbit does reared in southwestern Nigeria. A total of forty three (43) rabbits consisting of thirty six (36) 20 weeks old doe rabbits of mixed breeds with initial live weight of 1.7-2.0 kg and seven (7) mature bucks with live weight of 2.0-2.5 kg were used for the study. The does were divided into three groups of twelve rabbits each after balancing for weight. The does were placed on three levels of quantitative feed restriction (0, 15, 30 %) at three periods of gestation (15- 19 days, 20-24 days and 25-29 days). Data collected were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial layout. The interactive effect showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the cost of feed across the dietary treatments. Highest (p>0.05) feed cost was obtained for rabbit does on 30% restriction at 25-29days of gestation. However, 15% restriction at 25-29 days of gestation resulted into increased (p>0.05) average litter size at birth which competed favourably with the ad libitum groups. Therefore it can be concluded from the result obtained that feed restriction of pregnant does at 15% restriction at 25-29days is cost effective, as this period resulted in increase in average litter size at birth compared to others.