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\hypersetup{pdftitle={Effect of Gestation on Body Weight, Rectal Temperature and some Reproductive Hormones of Female Rabbits},pdfauthor={Chijindum Odi-Akpa, Immanuel Bitto, Philip Addass},pdfsubject={Tropentag 2016: Abstract},pdfkeywords={Body weight, female rabbits, gestation, rectal temperature, reproductive hormones},pdfpagemode=None,colorlinks=true}
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\parbox[b]{13.4cm}{\centering \large{\textbf{Tropentag, September 18-21, 2016, Vienna, Austria}}\\[1ex] \Large{``Solidarity in a competing world ---\\fair use of resources''\\[2ex]}}
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\Large{\textbf{Effect of Gestation on Body Weight, Rectal Temperature and some Reproductive Hormones of Female Rabbits\footnote{\textbf{Contact Address:} Chijindum Odi-Akpa, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Agricultural Biotechnology, Along Aminu Musa Yar' Adua Way Lugbe, 900107~Abuja, Nigeria, \mbox{e-mail}: \email{vchijindum@yahoo.com}}\\[0.8ex]}}
\normalsize{\textsc{Chijindum Odi-Akpa$^{1}$, Immanuel Bitto$^{2}$, Philip Addass$^{2}$}}
\end{center}
\begin{itemize*}
\item[]{\small{\textit{$^{1}$National Biotechnology Development Agency, Agricultural Biotechnology, Nigeria}}}
\item[]{\small{\textit{$^{2}$University of Agriculture Makurdi, Animal Breeding and Physiology, Nigeria}}}
\end{itemize*}
\index[author]{Odi-Akpa, Chijindum}
\index[author]{Bitto, Immanuel}
\index[author]{Addass, Philip}
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\textbf{Abstract}
\begin{abstract}
\normalsize{
Rabbit's short gestation and prolificacy has a great significant potential to improve food security and rate of malnutrition in the competitive world. This study was designed to investigate the effect of different stages of gestation on the body weight, rectal temperature, progesterone and estrogen of female rabbits. Thirty six (36) female rabbits (five to nine months of age) were used for this study and each of the animals served as a replicate. The animals were fed same kind of feed (\textit{Tridax procumbens} supplemented with broiler grower mash) and were supplied with fresh water. The body weight, rectal temperature, progesterone and estrogen concentrations were monitored before gestation and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of gestation. The body weight was measured with digital scale, while the rectal temperature was monitored using a thermometer and 3ml of blood were collected through the auricular marginal vein of each experimental animal on weekly basis. The blood samples were collected into well labeled sample collection bottles containing ethylene diaminetera"=acetic acid (EDTA) as anticoagulant and were centrifuged for 20min to get the serum which was analysed for the levels of progesterone and estrogen using the Elisa automatic machine. The data obtained were subjected to a one"=way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a completely randomised design (CRD). Result revealed a weekly significant increase in the body weight of rabbits throughout the period of gestation from 1.89$\pm$\mbox{0.08\,kg} to 2.27$\pm$\mbox{0.07\,kg} having the highest value on day 28 of gestation. Rectal temperature was significantly lowest (29.66$\pm$2.52\textdegree{}C) on day 28 of gestation. Progesterone and estrogen increased progressively throughout gestation having highest values (49.76$\pm$\unitfrac[1.28]{ng}{ml} and 127.83$\pm$\unitfrac[3.00]{pg}{ml}) on day 28 respectively. All parameters were significantly correlated except for temperature. Temperature decreased along the week whereas weight, progesterone and estrogen increased. Increase in body weight tends to increase reproductive hormones. It can be concluded that gestation in rabbits increased body weight, progesterone and estrogen concentrations but decreased rectal temperature on day 28.



}

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\noindent \textbf{Keywords:} Body weight, female rabbits, gestation, rectal temperature, reproductive hormones
\index[key]{Body weight}
\index[key]{Female rabbits}
\index[key]{Gestation}
\index[key]{Rectal temperature}
\index[key]{Reproductive hormones}
\end{document}
