SERUM BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN DOE RABBITS RE-MATED AT THREE POSTPARTUM TIME-PERIODS UNDER TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Three groups of crossbred (New Zealand White x Chinchilla) does were used in a randomized complete block design. Does were re-mated 1-9, 10-20 and 21-28 days after parturition in the dry and rainy seasons in Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected at 2, 10 and 20 days post coitum (pc) in the does following their second parturition. The blood samples were processed and assayed for serum proteins, glucose, urea and creatinine. Serum total protein (STP) at 2 days after mating was lower (P<0.05) in the 1-9 days group (4.3g/dL) when compared to 10-20 days group (5.8g/dL) and 21-28 days group (5.1g/dL). Does re-mated 10 -20 and 21-28 days postpartum had a significantly (P<0.05) higher serum albumin than does re-mated at 1-9 days postpartum at 20 days pc. At 20 days after mating serum globulin was highest (P<0.05) in does re-mated 1-9 days post partum. Serum glucose at 2 and 20 days after mating were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by postpartum re-mating interval. At 20 days after mating however, serum urea and creatinine decreased (P<0.05) as postpartum re-mating interval increased.  Serum total protein, serum albumin, glucose and urea were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the dry season than rainy season. However, most values obtained fall within normal ranges for the domestic rabbit except serum globulin. The result of this research has demonstrated little or no stress to internal physiology due to concurrent pregnancy and lactation at least in the short run.