Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on the reproductive performance of rabbit does and kits. Selenium and vitamin E are essential nutrients with known antioxidant properties that play crucial roles in reproduction. The study will be conducted using a total of 50 rabbit does, which will be divided into two groups a control group receiving a standard diet, and a treatment group receiving a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. The does will be monitored for various reproductive parameters including conception rate, litter size, and kit survival rate. The research will focus on evaluating the impact of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on the reproductive outcomes of the does, such as the number of kits born per litter and the survival rate of the kits. Additionally, the study will assess the reproductive performance of the does based on parameters like the number of services required for conception and the interval between kindling periods. The health status of the does and kits will also be monitored throughout the study to evaluate the overall well-being of the animals. Data analysis will involve comparing the reproductive performance indicators between the control and treatment groups using statistical methods to determine any significant differences. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on the reproductive performance of rabbit does and kits. Understanding the effects of these essential nutrients on rabbit reproduction can have practical implications for rabbit breeders and farmers looking to improve the productivity and welfare of their rabbit herds. Overall, this research project addresses an important gap in the existing literature regarding the impact of selenium and vitamin E on rabbit reproduction. By investigating the specific effects of these nutrients on reproductive performance indicators, this study contributes to the broader understanding of how dietary supplementation can influence the reproductive outcomes of rabbits. The findings from this research have the potential to inform future dietary recommendations for rabbit production systems, ultimately leading to improved reproductive efficiency and overall health in rabbit populations.

Thesis Overview

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Vitamin E andSelenium on the reproductive performance of rabbit Does and Kits. Four groups of mixed breeds of rabbits (New Zealand white, Dutch black, and Chinchilla) 8-9 months old with an average body weight of 1.98±0.6kg were considered in the experiment. Each group was made up of 3does and a buck to serve them.

All the bucks were fed the basal diet during the study alongside group 1 Does which served as the control. Does in groups 2, 3 and 4 Does were fed the basal diet supplemented with 40mg vitamin E (VE); 0.3mg Selenium (Se); and 40mgVitamin E plus 0.3 Selenium (VE + Se) for 4 weeks respectively. From the study, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the reproductive performances of Does except for bodyweight of litter at birth which was significantly (P>0.05) increased by Se and significantly decreased by VE + Se supplementation; and weight at weaning which was increased in the Segroup. Blood Haemoglobin, PCV, RBC, and LH did not differ (P>0.05) from the control. Se and VE groups increased blood Neutrophils. In the VE+ Se group, Eosinophil and FSH were significantly (P>0.05) increased, while lymphocyte was significantly (P>0.05) reduced.However, Eosinophil and Lymphocyte were significantly (P>0.05) decreased in the VE group. For the oxidative enzymes, the Se, SOD, and Glutathione peroxidase were not influenced by the treatments (P>0.05).

The Se group had a significantly (P>0.05) increasedMDA and Reduced glutathione values. Glutathione level was significantly lowered in the VE and Se group. For the VE + Se group, MDA was significantly increased while Catalase was significantly (P>0.05) reduced. Other oxidative enzymes were not however influenced(P>0.05) by the treatments. In conclusion, in addition to improvement in the FSH and oxidative enzymes status of Does, there was also better reproductive performance when Se is supplemented at 0.3mg/kg diet.