Datos productivos de las camadas de conejas sometidas a diferentes métodos de sincronización de celo

Résumé

Application of different methods to stimulate sexual activity is necessary in lactating does artificially inseminated. Temporary doe-litter separation technique on day 9 post-partum has been shown to increase fertility of lactating does artificially inseminated and viability of young rabbits is not affected.The aim of this study was to determine the viability and growth of young nursing rabbits, when four different methods to stimulate ovarian activity are applied on their mother on day 4 post-partum.Treatments studied were: a transient doe-litter separation (48 or 24 hours), an hormonal treatment (25 UI PMSG) and no stimulation. A total of 644 litters were weighted at 4 and 25 days old in order to study body weight evolution of young rabbits. Significant differences were observed in the body weight of young rabbits (473.6 g, 438.3 g, 401,9 g and 401,8 g, respectively, P<0,0001). Highest body weights were obtained in the second, third and fourth parturition; P<0,0001). Also, mortality rate was affected (P<0,006) with higher values at first, sixth, seventh and eighth parturition.With regard to treatments, BIO48 group had the highest mortality rate followed by BIO24, PMSG and CONTROL groups (18,2% vs. 9,5%, 13,3% y 9,7%, respectively; P<0,03). Milk production and feed intake was determined from day 1 to 21 days post-partum using 16 multiparous does by group with 8 to 10 pups by doe. Groups were distributed in the same four treatments mentioned above. No significant differences were detected in total milk production and feed intake between groups. With regard to results obtained, because weight at 25 days and viability of kits is not affected, we could conclude that a transient doe-litter separation of 24 hours could be an alternative method to PMSG treatment on lactating rabbit does on day 4 post-partum.