Reproductive performance of male rabbits of algerian local population

Abstract

A total of 267 rabbit does and 46 bucks from a local Algerian population were controlled during 6 generations (from G0 to G5) at the experimental farm of the University of Tizi-Ouzou. Natural mating was used and 1412 presentations were analysed. Reproductive and growing performance were analysed taking into account the effect of the buck, its age, the generation, the season of mating (or kindling) and the physiological status of does at the moment of the mating. The buck influenced the acceptance rate (P<0.001), kindling rate (P=0.032), litter size at birth and at weaning (P<0.001), litter weight at birth (P<0.001) and at weaning (P=0.034), the mean weaning weight (P=0.018) and consequently the ponderal productivity at weaning (weight of rabbits produced at weaning/mating, P<0.001). Nevertheless, the ponderal productivity was also influenced by the age of bucks, the generation, the season and the physiological status of does at the moment of mating. The highest acceptation rate was recorded in autumn in non lactating does (primiparous and multiparous). Productivity was higher for bucks 5-10 mo old but decreased thereafter. Productivity was higher in spring, particularly for multiparous and lactating does and highly varied with the generation, evidencing the importance of environmental conditions.

Effect of Age, and Vitamin E and Selenium Administration on Semen Characteristics of New Zealand White Rabbit Bucks

“…Also, they had significantly lower fructose level (201.32 mg/dl) than those recorded in the old age (245.66 mg/dl), but not significant with the young age (22.98 mg/dl). The results are in agreement with Cherfaoui et al (2013), who recorded that age of male affected aversely semen characteristics in rabbit. In fact, degradation of semen quality with the increase of male age leads to decrease in fertility.…”

“…Mahmoud et al (2013) found that combination of Vitamin E and selenium improved semen characteristics and the reproductive performance in Ossimi rams. It is well known that semen quality is reduced with increasing age of rabbit bucks, because of degradation of semen quality with increasing age lead to decrease in fertility, conception rates and the productivity of the does (Cherfaoui et al, 2013). Also, Tanemura et al (1993) reported that there was narrowing and sclerosis of the tubular lumen, a decrease in spermatogenic activity, degeneration of germ cells, and decreased number and function of Leydig cells with increasing age of male mouse.…”