Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Aspillia africana leaves on reproduction of rabbit and was conducted at the rabbit section of the University Teaching and Research Farm of Joseph Ayo Babalola University Ikeji-Arakeji Osun State, Nigeria. The experiment has a complete randomized design with four treatments and one control. Each treatment has two replicates as well as the control. Twenty-four (24) cross-breed (New Zealand White and Flemish) rabbits were used. (Twenty primiparous Does, and four bucks). The A. africana leave was harvested and sun dried and then grinded into powder form in the laboratory. The grinded leave of A. africana was mixed with concentrate from a reputable feed mill in Nigeria in ratio of Concentrate: Aspillia leaves treatments and control allocated. Treatment A (80:20), Treatment B (60:40) Treatment C (40:60), Treatment D (20:80) and control (100:0). The average weekly weight gain, gestation period, birth weight, weight at parturition, litter size and survival of the does were taken and computed for statistical analysis. Among the treatments, Treatment C showed a higher birth weight, implying a better conversion and utilization of the feed (Concentrate (40%): A. africana dried leave (60%) combination) by the fetus with average birth weight of 42.50 g. Analysis of the feed composition also showed 24.25% protein, and the energy 2942.69ME/kcal. The use of A. africana dried leave can be safely used, and recommended as observed at the level of inclusion in Group C treatment in this study, especially in the dry season to the farmers to upgrade the reproductive potential of their rabbits.

Key words: Rabbit, Aspillia africana leave, effect, reproduction.