Global Productivity of Rabbit Does (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) Following Oestrus Synchronization, Natural Service and Artificial Insemination

Abstract

Knowledge of the rabbit reproductive pattern would go a long way in boosting the productivity potential of rabbits in Nigeria. This work was aimed at determining the global productivity of rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculus) following oestrus synchronization, natural service, and artificial insemination. Forty adult rabbits do were used to carry out studies on the global productivity of rabbit does following oestrus synchronization, artificial insemination and natural service. They were divided into four groups designated as natural service (NS), Artificial Insemination (A.I), Natural service + Gonadotropin (NS + GnRH), Artificial Insemination + Gonadotropin (A.I + GnRH). The NS + GnRH and A. I + GnRH rabbit does were synchronized using 0.5 ml Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogue (Lecirelin) i.m injection at point of insemination/Service. Oestrus response rate, fertility rate, prolificacy rate, conception rate, and global productivity were determined. 10 % of the does which showed flattening, circling and aggression were all classified under indications of unwillingness to mate. Lordosis was observed in 70 % of the does while 20 % of the does allow mounting without lordosis. The fertility rate of rabbits does to natural service was 63.3 % and artificial insemination was 50 % following oestrus synchronization (hormonal and non-hormonal). The prolificacy rate obtained was 652.6 % and 593.6 % for natural service and artificial insemination. The conception rate was 63.3 % for natural services and 50% for artificial insemination. It was concluded that the Oestrous response rate of rabbit does to synchronization improved by 44.44 % in hormonal (GnRH) than the non-hormonal methods. Natural service showed an improvement in the fertility rate by 21.01 % as compared to artificial insemination following oestrus synchronization (hormonal and non-hormonal).