The effect of different levels of energy and protein on performance, digestibility, blood parameters and fertility in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

In order to investigate the effect of different levels of energy and protein on performance, digestibility, blood parameters and fertility of 18 females and three male rabbits were selected. Female rabbits were divided into three groups individually for two weeks and from the diet of treatments containing 1- low energy (2200 kcal) -low protein (14%) 2- medium energy (2400 kcal) -medium protein (16%) and 3- High energy (2600 kcal) -high protein (18%) was used in a completely randomized design. Female rabbits were weighed at the beginning of the period. The evaluation of performance, including daily weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured in every 15 days. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, fecal sampling in the last 3 days of the experiment from 3 rabbits in each treatment measured using acid-insoluble ash method. Blood samples were taken before morning feeding to determine the blood parameters including triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and blood glucose. After this period, a male rabbit was placed in the group for mating and the next day it was replaced with another. The mating period was six days. Reproductive factors including fertility, offspring and multiple births were examined. Results showed that there was no significant difference between initial weight, final weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and dry matter digestibility. Blood glucose (125 mg/dl) had significant difference between treatments. The medium protein - energy treatment had the highest percentage (100%) of fertility. The offspring in low protein - energy showed the highest percentage. The longest gestation period and the most neonatal weight were observed in high protein -energy. In overall, moderate energy and moderate protein treatments are recommended for female rabbits ready for mating.