Effects of HCG injection and breed on reproductive performance of rabbits, under egyptian conditions

• Autores: H. M. El Kelawy
• Localización: World Rabbit Science, ISSN-e 1989-8886, ISSN 1257-5011, Vol. 5, Nº. 2, 1997, págs. 61-64
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Forty five primiparous New Zealand White (NZW) and 30 primiparous Califomian (CAL) doe rabbits were used to study the effect of injection of 50 IU. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG; Corulon) on reproductive and productive performance of NZW and CAL does and their offspring from parturition and to weaning. The effects of breed and parity were studied. Doe traits (conception rate, number of services per conception, gestation length, litter size, litter weight, litter weight gain and milk yield at 1, 2 and 4 week of lactation) and offspring traits (mean rabbit weight, daily weight gain and pre-weaning mortality percentage) were not significantly affected by breed and parity. However, the milk production during the 3rd week of lactation was higher for CAL does than for NZW does (P<0.01). lnjection of 50 IU HCG significantly decreased (P<0.05) number of services per conception (1.38 vs 1.65), but increased litter size (7.6 vs 6.5 total bom per litter), litter weight at 21 and 28 days of age, litter weight gain and daily weight gain from birth and up to 28 days of age compared to the saline injected does (control). However, conception rate, gestation length, litter weight at birth, milk yield at different stages of lactation, mean rabbit weight, daily weight gain from birth to 21 days of age and pre-weaning mortality percentages showed not significant differences.