Impacts of dietary tiger nut on the growth, reproductive and blood constituents of three rabbit breeds

Abstract This study assessed the effects of incorporating varying levels (0, 10, 20, and 30 g/kg) of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L) into rabbit diets on the growth, reproductive performance, and blood characteristics of three rabbit breeds: New Zealand White, Hyla Max, and Dutch Belted. A total of 420 rabbits (270 does and 150 bucks), originating from 48 mature individuals aged 20–22 weeks and weighing between 2.24 and 2.50 kg, were randomly allocated to the four diets in a 3×4 factorial design. Growth traits such as body weight and linear measurements were taken at 35 days post-kindling. Reproductive performance data included gestation length, litter size at birth and weaning, individual and litter weights, and pre-weaning mortality. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Results indicated that dietary inclusion of tiger nut at 20–30 g/kg improved growth and reproductive performance, enhanced milk production and composition, and did not adversely affect health indicators. These findings support the use of tiger nut as a beneficial dietary supplement in rabbit production.