Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.657598
Title: Effect of dietary protein and selenium supplementation on reproductive and physiological responses of male rabbits kept under tropical conditions
Author: Abdulrashid, Mohammed
ISNI:       0000 0004 5351 4857
Awarding Body: University of Reading
Current Institution: University of Reading
Date of Award: 2014
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Abstract:
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and selenium supplementation on male rabbit reproductive and hemo-biochemical traits under tropical conditions. 48 male New Zealand rabbits of 23 ± 1.4 weeks of age, weighing 2.8 ± 1.131 kg, were allotted to six isocaloric dietary treatments ( n = 8 animals/treatment) that differed in either protein (14g/100g, 18g/100g and 22g/100g) or selenium (0.4 and 0.7 mg Sel kg diet). Animals were distributed in a 2 x 3 factorial design, and housed individually in conventional rabbit cages. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was considered as an explanatory factor. Ejaculate samples were collected monthly, using artificial vagina, between April and September. Blood samples (2ml/sample) were drawn via the marginal ear vein using micro syringes, and of ,which some samples were collected into tubes coated with anticoagulant (EDT A or lithium heparin) and other remaining samples of equal number were collected into uncoated tubes, for haematological and biochemical analyses respectively. Physical performance were recorded, such as testis length and testis width were taken using measuring tape. Daily feed intake, weekly body weight, rectal temperature and respiratory rate were recorded accordingly. Semen pH, reaction time and abnormal sperm cells varied significantly as the THI values changed. Significantly high red blood cells concentrations, and significantly low levels of mean corpuscular volume were observed on 22g/100g protein groups as compared to other dietary protein treatment groups. Whereas significantly low values of platelets and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were noted on selenium supplemented groups as compared to unsupplemented. There were significant interactive effects of protein and Selenium dietary treatments on semen volume, Testis length, cortisol, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, monocytes, and feed intake. Generally most of the values were within normal range, thus the dietary treatments provided optimum productive and reproductive performance on male rabbits under tropical condition. Suggesting that this finding establishes a conducive atmosphere for rabbit production under subhumid tropical climate via possible cost effective nutritional strategies.
Supervisor: Not available Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.657598  DOI: Not available
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