EFFECT OF PROTEIN FLUSHING ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF NULLIPAROUS DOES.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of flushing using protein on
reproductive performance of nullliparous rabbits. Twenty-eight (28)
nuliliparous does were fed four protein (18, 20, 22 and 24% CP) diets one
week before and after mating. All the does were placed on the 18% CP diet
during pregnancy and lactation. Litter size and weights at birth and at weekly
intervals were measured. Results obtained showed non significant effect
(P>0.05)of protein level on litter parameters except kit mortality rate.' Does
fed 18% CP diet had the largest litter size at parturition while does fed 24%
diet had larger litter size alive at birth, 21 and 42 days. Total litter birth
weight and lifter birth weight of kits alive at birth decreased with increase in
protein level except for does fed 24% diet. Kits kindled by does fed 20 and
24% CP diets were heavier (P>0.05)th an the other kits. Nulliparous does
flushed with the 24% CP diet had larger litter weights at one to six weeks of
age. Kit mortalif-qr was hisher in the period 0-21 days than the period 21-42
days postpartum. Does on the 22% CP diet, however, lost all their kits in the
first week of lactation.