Evaluation of reproduction performance of Hyla rabbits in hot and humid region in Benin

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive performance of Hyla rabbits from one generation to another under tropical climate in Benin. Thirty rabbit does were imported from France (group 1) were compared with 30 rabbit does born in Benin (group 2) at their first generation. The does were housed in individual cages and were fed pellet diet. They were mated naturally 48 hours after an injection of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG) to stimulate follicles’ maturity and ovulation. Significant differences in fertility and abortion were recorded between does groups. Average pregnancy duration, litter size, kids rabbit weight at birth and at weaning were similar in both groups. The stillbirth rate and kids’ rabbit mortality during lactation were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. The daily feed intake of empty does was significantly higher in group 2, whereas it was similar in both groups during pregnancy. The study indicated that hot and humid climate affected significantly some reproduction traits of Hyla does