Evaluation of Heat Tolerance of Heterogeneous Rabbit Population Raised in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate heat tolerance of heterogeneous rabbit population raised in Southwestern Nigeria. Eighty-eight rabbits (fifty-four adult does, fifteen adult bucks and nineteen growers) were used for the study which was conducted during rain and dry seasons (early and late rain as well as early and late dry seasons). Ambient temperature and relative humidity were monitored across these seasons using dry bulb thermometer and wet and dry hygrometer respectively. Physiological parameters (rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate) to obtain categorical heat stress indices were taken on each animal. Data collected on physiological traits of the animals were analyzed using statistical analysis system. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare variations in physiological traits of the animals as influenced by season, sex, age and coat colour of the rabbits. Duncan’s Multiple Range test was used to separate the means where significance was indicated. There were no significant effects (p> 0.05) of coat colour, age and sex of the animals on their rectal temperature. However, season of the year had significant effects on rectal temperature of the rabbits. The heart rate and respiratory rate of the animals were significantly affected (p<0.05) by coat colour, age, sex and season. The coat colour, age and sex of composite population of rabbits as well as seasons of production were adjudged to be important sources of variation in evaluating heat tolerance of the rabbits.