Phytogenic modulation of reproduction in rabbit does using Gmelina arborea leaf extract under tropical conditions

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous Gmelina arborea leaf extract (GALE) on reproductive, postpartum and lactation performances of rabbit does under tropical conditions. A total of 80 chinchilla rabbits (aged 7–8 months with average body weight of 1.10–1.14 kg) were used in the 16- week study. The study was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with rabbits randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (GALE0 = 0 ml GALE /l of water, GALE 300= 300 ml GALE /l of water, GALE 600 = 600 ml GALE /l of water, and GALE 900= 900 ml GALE /l of water), replicated four times with five rabbits per replicate. Results revealed that GALE significantly (P ˂ 0.01) influenced reproductive, postpartum, and lactation parameters. Does administered GALE 600 recorded the highest conception rate (95%), kit survival to weaning (84.4%) and lowest pre-weaning mortality (15.6%). GALE 900 inclusion reduced feed and water intake and depressed litter survival. Postpartum body weights, feed and water intake were improved at GALE 600 with reduced lactation weight loss (90.60 g). Similarly, kits from GALE 600 exhibited the highest birth and weaning weights and greatest pre-weaning daily gain (11.26 g/kit/day). In conclusion, GALE 600 optimized reproduction in rabbit does under tropical conditions.