EFFECT OF RE-MATING INTERVAL AFTER THE FIRST PARTURITION ON THE LITTER PARAMETERS, MILK YIELD AND REPRODUCTION TRAITS OF RABBIT DOES

A total number of 120 nulliparous APRI and Baladi Black does (60 does for each breed) were mated at 5 months of age at the beginning of the breeding season (during September) to study the effect of re-mating interval after the first parturition on the litter parameters, milk yield per day and reproduction traits. All does were randomly divided into three equal groups according to reproductive rhythm: The 1st group: post partum (PP), the 2nd group: 11 days after parturition (P11), and the 3rd group: Post weaning (PW) .The body weight of P11 does were slightly higher than that of PP or PW groups. The re- mating interval groups during second parity had significant (P<0.05) effects on litter traits at weaning. Litter size and Litter weight at weaning age in PW group were higher significantly (P<0.05) than those in PP and P11 groups. Litter weight at 21 days of age in PW and P11 groups were higher significantly (P<0.05) than those in PP group. The PW group had significant higher litter size at weaning than those in PP group. Daily milk yield (DMY) after second parity was affected significantly by re-mating interval groups in the third and fourth week of suckling period. GL in PP group was higher significantly (P<0.05) comparing with P11 or PW groups. The values of litter size and weight traits were better for APRI does comparing with BB except litter weight at 21 days. The difference in results between the two breeds in daily milk yield showed generally higher trend of daily milk yield for APRI over BB. The Kindling interval and the gestation period were significantly (P<0.05) affected by interaction of re-mating interval group and breed. In conclusion, applying a lengthened period after the first kindling (by more than 10 days or after weaning) had a favorable effect on the does’ production.