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Production of rabbits under hot climatic conditions.
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Abstract: This study was carried out at Rabbit Unit - Technology Center of Agriculture I Production- faculty of Agriculture. Cairo University.The laboratory work was carried out in the Lab. of Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture.
This study aimed to improve the reproductive and productive performance of doe rabbits under hot environmental conditions by palm oil calcium salt addition (control,2% and 4% fat addition) to pellets, during winter (November 1999- January 2000) and summer (July-September 2000). A total number of 72 mature NZW (30 does and 6 bucks in every season). The does were equally and randomly divided each treatment (10 does) for two seasons. Blood samples were taken from does to measure glucose. total protein albumin, globulin, cholesterol, T3 P4,calcium, sodium in blood serum and some production traits for does and carcass traits for bunnies.
Rectal temperature (RT), Skin (ST), ear (ET) temperatures and respiration rate (RR) were higher in summer than in winter. RT, ST, ET, and RR were decreased as dietary fat supplementation increased.
Levels of glucose, total protein, albumin. globulin, cholesterol, T3,P4, calcium and sodium in serum were higher in winter while. potassium was lower in winter than in summer. Highest level of total protein. albumin, globulin, T3 and P4 were I found in blood of does fed 4%. Also, highest level of calcium in blood of does fed I 2%
Conception rate, litter size & weight at birth and at weaning were higher in winter than summer season. No. of service per conception and gestation length were higher in summer. Conception rate was higher in does fed 4% fat. Heaviest value of litter size and weight at birth on 2% fat. Does fed diet with 2% fat had the best values of litter size and weight at weaning were greater in winter in the three treatments. The best litter weight was found with does fed 2% fat in both seasons. Conception rate and gestation length were lower for 2nd parity than 1st parity, but litter weight at birth & weaning were higher in 2nd parity.
Feed intake of does decreased by increasing fat supplement in both seasons.
Doe''''''''s weight increment was greater with 4% fat supplement. Doe''''''''s weight was higher in winter than in summer under all treatment. .
Feed intake of bunnies significantly decreased when the percentage of fat increased. Heaviest value of live body weight of bunnies fed 4% but, feed conversion and carcass weight were improved by the diet content of 2%. Highest T3 of bunnies fed on fat supplement. Level of glucose and cholesterol increased as dietary fat supplement increased. Highest level of total protein, albumin and globulin was found in fed 4 %. Level of calcium and potassium increased in the serum of bunnies fed dietary fat, but level of sodium concentration decreased of bunnies fed dietary fat.
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| Publication year |
2002
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| Organization Name |
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| Country |
Egypt
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| Author(s) from ARC |
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| Agris Categories |
Animal physiology - Reproduction
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AGROVOC
TERMS |
Blood composition.
Carcass composition.
Heat stress.
Physiological functions.
Rabbits.
Reproductive performance.
Respiration rate.
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| Publication Type |
Master Thesis
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