EFFECT OF ALGAL BIOMASS SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE AND WELFARE OF RABBIT DOES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rabbit mortality is a major problem that limits the performance of rabbit and also serves as a poor indicator for welfare in rabbit production. Several efforts have been made to increase the survival rate of rabbit, including efforts to supplements maternal diets with polyunsaturated fatty acid especially DHA. This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of algal biomass (DHA gold) onperformance and welfare of rabbit does and survivability of kits. A total number of 20 Rabbit does of mixed breed with an average weight of 1.8 kg were allotted into 4 treatments each consisting of five replicates in a completely randomized design. Algal biomass was included in the basal diet at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. Blood samples for analyses were taken via ear vein after 2 weeks of feeding trial. The experiment lasted (8) eight weeks (Four weeks of gestation and four weeks post parturition). Data generated on haematological, serum biochemical parameters, reproductive performance indices (doe weight, conception, gestation period, litter size, kit weight, and percent survivability of the kit) and Kit vitality and behaviour of rabbit does were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. The results revealed that litter size (7.33) and kit weight (50.59g) were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in does fed 1.5% algal biomass. Conception, kindling period, and kitten survivability increased (P>0.05) with increased level of algal biomass inclusion. Furthermore, the results showed that algal biomass supplementation did not influence (p>0.05) all the haematological and serum biochemical parameters as they were all similar across all groups. Moreso, the results also showed that the Vitality of the kitten (latency to suckle (33.500)) was significantly higher in does fed 1.5% algal biomass. Feeding, drinking, grooming lying position behaviour of rabbit does were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by supplementation of algal biomasswhich positively influenced survivability of kits. Based on findings in this study, inclusion of algal biomass at 1.5% improved reproductive performance of rabbits with respect to litter size and kit weight without deleterious impact on health and overall wellbeing of rabbit. Moreso, algal biomass did not pose any threat to vitality of kitten. It was therefore, recommended that dietary inclusion of algal biomass (DHA gold) at 1.5% level in the diet of rabbit does can be used to enhance reproductive performance of rabbit does and vitality of kittens without any harmful effects.