THE EFFICACY OF TEASER BUCK INTRODUCTION AND HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPOHIN (HCG) IN THE INDUCTION OF OVULATION TO ENHANCE RECEPTIVITY AND FERTILITY IN RABBITS (Oryctolagus cunniculus) IN BAUCHI

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of teaser bucks introduction and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in the induction ovulation to enhance receptivity and conception rates in rabbits at the Teaching and Research farm of the Abubakar Tafawa Balawa University Bauchi. A total of (n=60) rabbit does and (n=10) male bucks were subjected into this trial. New Zealand white and their reciprocal crosses (n=30) and 30 local breeds, three stimulation protocols (hCG), teaser buck stimulation and natural method as control) were used. All the data generated were subjected to an analysis of variance. It was revealed that no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between breeds in receptivity for the treatments. However, Conception rates were significant (P<0.05) in favour of the improved breeds and those treated with hCG. In conclusion, the use of teasers bucks, hCG based protocols during non-breeding season allows seasonal patterns of reproductive anoestrus to come on estrus, and allow receptivity and subsequently the insemination and pregnancy in rabbits that would otherwise be non-productive.