PRE-WEANING PERFORMANCE OF HETEROGENEOUS STOCK OF RABBITS DURING THE RAINY SEASON IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The population of rabbits in the tropics is highly heterogeneous and the prevailing environmental conditions play significant roles in their survival post kindling; thus, influencing productivity and profitability. This study was carried out to assess the impact of low Temperature-Humidity conditions on the performance of rabbit kits from birth to weaning. Sixty-six heterogeneous adult rabbits (55 primiparous Does and 11 Bucks) were mated for this study and fed concentrate diet throughout this period. Three hundred and twenty-eight kits obtained were managed during a period characterized by cold condition that span through the early (April to May) and late (June to September) rainy season in Nigeria. The temperature and humidity of the pen were taken twice daily. Litter size, weekly weight gain and survival rate were recorded from birth till 4weeks during each phase. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. The Temperature-Humidity Index during early rainy season (27.4 - 28.9) implies moderate heat stress during this period with absence of stress during late rain (25.2 – 26.6). Higher litter size (p<0.05) was recorded during the late rain season compared to that of early rainy season. Weekly weight gain and survival rate (p<0.05) of kits increased during early rainy season compared to late rainy season. It can be concluded that low Temperature-Humidity condition during the late rain improved litter size while early rain enhanced weekly weight gain and higher survival rate of rabbit kits.