REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSE OF RABBITS FED SUPPLEMENTAL Moringa oleifera (Lam) LEAF MEAL

Reproductive inefficiency is a major challenge in rabbit production. Leaf meals such as Moringa oleifera rich in phytochemicals have been used to enhance reproductive performance in cattle and catfish. Information on the use of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MoLM) to enhance reproductive efficiency in rabbits and its effect on organs has not been adequately documented. Therefore, the reproductive response of rabbits to supplemental MoLM was assessed. In a 24-week trial, sixty rabbits were allotted to four diets containing supplemental MoLM : 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 % with 10 does and 5 bucks per treatment. Dry Matter Intake (DMI, g) and Daily Weight Gain (DWG, g) were determined. Blood (5.0 mL) was sampled from bucks and does for Haematology (Erythrocytes, x10 3 mm -3, Packed Cell Volume (PCV, %), haemoglobin, g/100 ml), Alanine amino Transferase (ALT, IU/L) and hormonal (testosterone, oestrogen) assay using standard procedures. Bucks were assessed for semen characteristics and then assigned to does on each treatment at 2 does/buck for mating trial using standard procedures. Blood (3 mL) was sampled from pregnant does at third trimester for progesterone determination using standard procedures. Conception Rate (CR), Gestation Length (GL), Litter Size (LS) and Litter Weight (LW) were determined using standard procedures. Testes and epididymides were removed, weighed and processed for sperm reserves (x10 6 sperm cells/ml). Histopathology (no visible lesion, mild, moderate, severe and very severe) of liver, kidney and ileum was assessed using standard procedures.