Effects of post partum re-mating period on growth and reproductive performances in Cameroon Local rabbit

In order to study the effects of post-partum (pp) re-mating period on the reproductive and growth performance of local rabbit of Cameroon, 28 fryer rabbits weighing 2733.46±400.32g were used. They received the same diet (2761.58 kcal/kg.DM; 17.60%; 12.36%; 0.69% and 0.99% DM respectively of metabolizable energy, crude proteins, crude fibers, calcium and phosphorus) throughout the study. Lactating does were re-mated to a male at 0; 14; 28 or 42 days pp. Each doe was mated to a buck for 5 minutes per day and females that were refractory to male were then represented daily for a maximum period of 4 days or until she accepted male. All the females presented to a male at 0; 28 and 42 days pp accepted the mounting whereas 28.57% of does mated to a buck at 14 days pp-period were not receptive. The average refractory period was null for 42 days pp but not significantly different from others. The fertility rate was 100% with the re-mating period of 42 days pp but not significantly different from those obtained at post partum day 0 (85.71%); 28 (85.71%) and 14 (71.42%). The fertile service was maximum at pp days 14 and 42, but not significantly different (P>0.05) from those recorded at parturition and at 28 days pp (85.71%). The litter size was comparable among females re-bred at the 42nd day (8.71±0.45) after kidding and those serviced at 28 days pp (8.00±3.35), 14 days pp (7.8±0.45) and 0 day pp (6.17±0.98). All the kids were alive at parturition in females serviced at 14 and 28 days pp and the mortality rate was less than 10% in other treatments. At weaning the survival rate was significantly (p<0.05) low when the does were presented to a buck at 28 days pp as compared to other periods. The milk production was significantly (p<0.05) low in females re-bred at the kidding when compared to those obtained while re-mating does at the two longest pp periods. The numeric productivity per year was significantly (p<0.05) elevated with day 0 pp as compared to others treatments.