PUBERTAL HORMONES AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBIT DOES FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AFRICAN PEAR LEAF MEAL

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with sun-dried African pear (Dacryodes edulis) leaf meal (APLM) on the pubertal hormone profile and reproductive performance of female rabbits. Forty-five weaned rabbits (thirty females and fifteen males) with a mean initial body weight (514.67 ± 17.29 g) were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments: T1 (0 g/kg APLM), T2 (2.50 g/kg), T3 (5.00 g/kg), T4 (7.50 g/kg), and T5 (10.00 g/kg), with each replicate comprising two females and one male used solely for mating. The 27- weeks feeding trial data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and significant means were separated with Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). Results revealed that pubertal males fed 2.5 g/kg and 10.0g/kg APLM supplemented diets had significantly (p<0.001) higher serum testosterone levels (12.20 and 12.40 nmol/L) respectively. Results revealed that pubertal females fed 7.50 g/kg APLM supplemented diets had significantly (p<0.001) higher serum estradiol levels (31.30 pg/mL), whereas those fed 10.00 g/kg APLM exhibited the highest follicle- stimulating hormone (16.00 mIU/mL) and luteinizing hormone (20.10 U/L) levels, respectively. Reproductive performance was notably improved in female rabbits fed 7.50 g/kg APLM, with the shortest gestation length (28.50 days) and the highest average litter weights at birth (41.17g) and (338.05g) as well as average litter size at weaning (6.00). Increasing supplementation to 10.00 g/kg, despite raising FSH and LH levels, did not further enhance reproductive outcomes. These findings demonstrated that dietary supplementation of APLM at 7.50 g/kg optimally supported pubertal hormonal balance and reproductive performance in male and female rabbits and is therefore recommended.