Evaluation of Dietary Fiber Content (NDF) on the Zoo Technical Performances of Local Rabbits Does and Young Rabbits in Benin
Evaluation of Dietary Fiber Content (NDF) on the Zoo Technical Performances of Local Rabbits Does and Young Rabbits in Benin
Souladjou Alassane1,2*, Mahamadou Dahouda1,2, Ignace Dotché2, Serge Ahounou2, Jean-Paul Dehoux4, Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim2, Jean-Luc Hornick3
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) level on the reproductive performance of local rabbit does in Benin. Twenty-four nulliparous does, average body weight 2505.3 ± 21.8 g, were evenly distributed into four groups. Each group was randomly assigned to one of four treatments with linear increase level of fiber: Diets A (lowest fiber content) and B (highest fiber content) were used to formulate two intermediate fiber level diets: Ab (composed of 70% A and 30% B) and Ba (composed of 70% B and 30% A). Feed intake significantly varied (P < 0.05) among the diets provided to the reproductive does. Diet B was consumed the most compared to the others. None of the dietary regimens had a significant effect (P>0.05) on overall litter size (total born, at birth, and at 21 days of age). However, the lowest rates of stillborn kits (2.33%) and the lowest birth-to-weaning mortality rate (14%) were observed in does feed with the diet Ba, (P <0.05). This diet provided also the best growth performance of kits under the doe (average weight at 21 days of age and at weaning, and average daily gain). This study proved that the diet with the intermediate high level of fibers could lead to improved reproductive performance in breeding does.
Keywords | Rabbit does, Dietary fiber, Local breed, Benin
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July 2025
Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci., Vol. 13, Iss. 7,
