Influence of breed, sex, parity, diet and interactions on reproductive performance of rabbits fed tiger nut-based diet

Rabbit reproductive and growth characteristics are significantly influenced by various factors including breed, sex, parity, and diet. Understanding these impacts is essential to enhance production efficiency. This study examined the effects of varying inclusion levels of a tiger nut-based diet on reproductive parameters, breed effect, sex effect, and interactions. Three rabbit breeds: Dutch Belted (DUT), New Zealand White (NZW), and Hyla Max were used for this breeding study, involving 60 growing rabbits as parents stock, comprising 48 does and 12 bucks over a period of 52 weeks. The analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in mortality rates at day 7, with Hyla Max experiencing the highest mortality followed by Dutch Belted and NZW. Weight measurements indicated that male rabbits were heavier than females at both day 7 (0.11 ± 0 kg vs. 0.09 ± 0 kg) and day 14 (0.16 ± 0 kg vs. 0.15 ± 0 kg; p < 0.05). Parity significantly impacted weight gain at day 21 and mortality rates at birth and day 7 (p < 0.05). A diet containing 30 g tiger nut inclusion resulted in higher weights at day 14 (0.16 ± 0.00 kg) and day 28 (0.29 ± 0.1 kg), while the 10 g inclusion level achieved the greatest weight gain at day 28 (1.36 ± 1.14 kg; p < 0.05). Additionally, NZW rabbits exhibited the highest individual kit birth weight (0.05 ± 0 kg), while Dutch Belted rabbits had the highest pre-weaning mortality rate (15.97 ± 2.85%; p < 0.05). Noteworthy interactions among breed, sex, parity, and diet were identified. The findings underscore the significant influences of breed, sex, parity, and diet on reproductive and growth traits in rabbits, paving the way for optimized management practices aimed at improving productivity.