IMPACT OF MACA ADMINISTRATION ON THE CONCEPTION RATE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBIT DOES OF DIFFERENT BREEDS.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.

2 Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

3 Department of Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

4 Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt

Abstract

This work aimed to study the impact of Maca capsules administration on the conception rate and hormonal estimates of rabbit Does. Thirty six rabbit does, (12 V-line, 12 New Zealand white and 12 Bouscat), were divided equally into two equal groups 6 does per each. In the 1st group, rabbits were fed a commercial breeder ration without any supplementation; while the 2nd group was fed the commercial breeder ration and daily orally administered with 500mg Maca capsule/doe for one week before mating. All does in the treated group were re-administered with the same dose after three days from parturition (day per day) for one week, then re-mated directly during the 2nd and 3rd parties, respectively. The number of mating per conception (NMPC), Conception rated (CR %), Gestation length (Gl),  luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Estrogen and Progesterone hormone concentrations of rabbit does were measured. The obtained results indicated that there were no significant effect of Maca administration on the NMPC, CR, GL, LH, FSH and progesterone (P4) hormone concentrations in the different rabbit breeds. While the mean estrogen hormone concentration was significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher in NZW Does, followed by V-line. lower value was observed in Bouscat rabbit Does.  Also, the estrogen hormone concentration of treated rabbit does was insignificantly higher, while no significant effect was found at the interaction between rabbit breed and maca treatment on NMPC, CR,  GL, LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone hormone concentrations. From the obtained findings, it could be concluded that the oral administration of rabbit does with maca capsules insignificantly influenced NMPC, CR,  GL, LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone hormone concentrations. 

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