SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF FEMALE RABBITS FED POULTRY WASTES

Abstract

This study was conducted in the animal house and aboratory of the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University. The trial aimed to study the effect of 15 and 30 % broiler litter replacement in the concentrated rabbit ration on some reproductive and productive parameters. This trial included 24 New Zealand White does and 6 bucks of six months old. Does were assiqned at random into three experimental groups, 8 does and 2 bucks in each. The first qroup was maintained on control ration (Lactating rabbit concentrate ration)and saved as control group. The second

and the third groups were maintained on 15 % and 30 % broiler litter containing ration, respectively. All bucks were maintained on the control ration. Youngsters were weaned at 28 days of age and fed on their dam's ration for 5 weeks (till 63 days of age). Number of services per conception, conception rate,

gestation period length, conceptus weight, litter size at birth and weaning, and mortality rate pre- and post-weaning were not significantly influenced by dietary treatments. While litter weight at birth and at weaning, and daily gain from birth till 9 weeks of age were significantly influenced by dietary treatments, being lower in the broiler litter fed groups and this was more pronounced in the 30 % broiler litter fed group. Parity had a significant effect only on conception rate and litter size. There were significant differences among experimental groups

in plasma total protein, globulin, urea and creatinine concentration. No significant differences were observed between groups in hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma albumin, albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio), uric acid, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Parity had a significant effect on hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma urea, and creatinine concentr.ation.