Reproductive Performance of Rabbits Fed Mistletoe Leaves from Different Host Plants

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was conducted lo evaluate the effect or mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis) leaves from different host trees on reproductive performance of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). A total of sixteen (16) rabbits does were random allocated into four dietary treatment groups designated as Tl. T2. T3 and T4 consisting of four rabbits, each serving as a replicate. The rabbits does were fed with common concentrate diet and fresh mistletoe leaves from different host trees (Shea-butter. Almond and Locust bean). Rabbits in T1 (Control) were fed with only the concentrate diet while rabbits in T2 were fed concentrate alongside mistletoe leaves from Shea-butter tree, those in T3 were fed concentrate alongside mistletoe from almond tree and rabbits in T4 were fed concentrate alongside mistletoe from locus bean tree. The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks during which data for birth and weaning traits were obtained. The result obtained showed significant different (P>0.05) in performance among the different treatment groups. It is therefore concluded that mistletoe leaves from Shea butter almond and locus bean tree can be rabbits without any deleterious effect on their reproductive performance.