COMPARISON OF TWO GENOTYPES AND THREE MILKING METHODS ON LACTATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS AND GROWTH PARAMETERS OF THEIR KITS

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the comparison of two genotypes and three milking methods (MM) on lactational performance of rabbits does and growth parameters of their kits over two lactation periods. Thirty (30) rabbits does in their first parity, weighing between 2 - 4 kg were used for the study, consisting of genotypes; 15 New Zealand white (NZW) and 15 Hyla, and were randomly assigned into 3 groups of different MM at first and second lactations. The rabbits were housed in individual wooden hutch with a slatted floor and fed twice daily with a combination of concentrate and Tridax procumbens in a ratio 50: 50. Milking of the does was done at 08:00 am, once per week for 6 weeks while milk samples for composition was collected on the day of kindling, 14th, 28th and 42nd day respectively. Results showed that high daily milk yield (DMY), total milk yield (TMY) and peak milk yield (PMY) were recorded in rabbits milked through suckle-hand (SH) and weigh-suckle-weigh (WSW) methods compared to hand milking (HM) method. The DMY, TMY and PMY were not influenced (p>0.05) by genotype at both lactations. Interactions between MM and genotype influenced (p<0.05) milk yields at both lactation periods. Hyla does milked with SH (at first lactation) and WSW (at second lactation) methods had the highest milk yields. Genotype influenced (p<0.05) milk colostrum, milk constituents and kit growth performance at both lactations. The kit weaning weight (KWW) and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) were influenced by genotype and MM. Rabbits milked with WSW method had more KWW compared to SH and HM methods while does milked with SH method had the least PWM at both lactations compared to WSW and HM methods. At the first lactation, a significant correlation between milk yield and milk constituents were observed in both genotypes. In NZW does, a weak and negative relationship was observed between milk yield and total solids (r= -0.293); moderate with lactose (r= 0.335); weak and positive correlation with milk moisture (r= 0.291). In Hyla does, however a weak and negative correlation was observed between milk yield and fat (r= -0.355); protein (r= -0.461), but a positive and moderate correlation with lactose (r= 0.404) and solid non-fat (r=0.367). At the second lactation, a significant correlation between milk yield and milk constituents of NZW does was observed to have a weak and negative relationship with fat (r= -0.387), protein (r= -0.214), total solid (r= -0.356) and ash (r= -0.210) but positive and moderate with milk moisture (r= 0.355). In Hyla does, milk yield had a positive and moderate relationship with lactose (r=0.428) and solid non-fat (r=0.366). The study concluded that high milk yields were obtained in rabbits milked by SH and WSW methods while genotype had no influence on milk yields. The milk composition, KWW and PWM were influenced by genotype at both lactations. Therefore, Hyla does are recommended for rabbit production based on their milk quality, milk production and kit survival also SH method of milking should be adopted for milking of rabbits.