Effect of castration on the growth performance of rabbits

Castration has been reported as a management practice that could improve weight gain in farm animals but there is not enough informationaboutits effect in rabbits. To help rabbit farmers manage their rabbits when it has more males than females, it is important to investigate the effect of castration on the performance of the animal. The study was a completely randomized design involving 20male NewZealand white breed of rabbits weighing between 850 -950g at 6 weeks age. The rabbits were separated into 2 groups with 10 rabbits in each group. One group was castrated (Neutered) while the other group was not castrated (Intact). The animals were fed daily using pelletized rabbit concentrate while water was provided adlibitum.The experiment lasted for eight weeks. In the 7thweek of the experiment, blood samples were collected from ear vein and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using the T-test on SPSS version 27. Result of the study revealed that, Neutered rabbits gained significantly (p≤0.05) more weight than Intact rabbits, the Intact rabbits consumed more (p≤0.05) feed than neutered rabbits. Dressing percentage was higher in Neutered rabbits. Testosterone in Neutered group was statistically (p≤0.05) higher than that of Intact rabbits. The study concludes that Neutered rabbits are superior to Intact rabbits in feed consumed, weight gained and dressing percentage. Also, castration reduced the testosterone level in neutered rabbits. It is recommended that male rabbits not used for breeding should be castrated.