Project Abstract

Abstract
The reproductive performance of rabbit does and kits can be significantly influenced by various factors, including nutrition. Selenium and Vitamin E are essential nutrients known for their antioxidant properties and potential benefits in improving reproductive outcomes. This research project focuses on investigating the effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on the reproductive performance of rabbit does and kits. The study involves a controlled experimental design where rabbit does are divided into different treatment groups receiving varying levels of selenium and vitamin E supplementation. The reproductive parameters being evaluated include conception rate, litter size, birth weight of kits, and survival rates. These parameters are crucial indicators of the overall reproductive success in rabbit breeding operations. Antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E play a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, which can affect reproductive health and performance. By supplementing rabbit does with selenium and vitamin E, this study aims to determine the extent to which these nutrients can positively impact the reproductive outcomes. The research will also assess any potential interactions between selenium and vitamin E in enhancing reproductive performance. Furthermore, the study will investigate the mechanisms through which selenium and vitamin E supplementation may influence reproductive physiology in rabbit does. Understanding these mechanisms can provide valuable insights into the nutritional requirements for optimal reproductive function in rabbits. Additionally, the potential effects of selenium and vitamin E on the growth and development of kits will be assessed to determine any long-term benefits of maternal supplementation. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on the role of selenium and vitamin E in improving the reproductive performance of rabbit does and kits. The findings from this study can have practical implications for rabbit breeders and help optimize breeding practices to enhance productivity and sustainability in rabbit farming operations. By elucidating the impact of these essential nutrients on rabbit reproduction, this research can pave the way for targeted nutritional strategies to support optimal reproductive outcomes in rabbit breeding programs.

Project 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.