EFFECT OF PROTEIN FLUSHING ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF MULTIPAROUS DOES.

Abstract

levels on reproductive performance of rabbits. Thirty (30) multiparous does
were flushed with four protein (18, 20, 22 and 24% CP) diets one week
before and after mating. The does were placed on the 18% CP diet during
pregnancy and lactation. Litter size and weights at birth and at weekly
intervals and kit mortality were measured.
Results obtained showed no significant effect (P>0.05) of level of protein
on litter parameters. Multiparous does flushed with 22% CP diet had larger
litter size at birth followed by does fed 24%, 18% and 20% CP diets. Does
flushed with 24% CP diet however, had larger litter sizes at one, two and
three weeks of lactation. The trend was similar for litter birth weight and
litter weights at one, two and three weeks of lactation. Average daily litter
and kit weight gains were similar for all treatments. Does flushed with 20%
CP diet had highest feed cosvkit produced at birth while does flushed with
18% CP diet had the highest feed costlkit at 21 days postpartum. There was
no difference in stillbirth and kit mortality for all the treatments in the periods
studied.