The aim of the study was to evaluate the physiological performance of heat stressed growing rabbits fed diets supplemented with vitamin anti-oxidants and bicarbonate buffers. A total of thirty (30) growing rabbits (New Zealand White crosses) of two months old were used in this study. There were six (6) rabbits per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment groups consisted of: control, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) and potassium bicarbonate, (KHNO 3 ) solution respectively, Vitamin C, and baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM) as supplements, respectively. The experiment lasted for 9 weeks. Five milliliters of blood were collected from five rabbits (through the ear vein) chosen randomly from each group of rabbits, respectively at the beginning and the end of the experiment for serum metabolite and thyroxine hormone evaluation. Physiological performance of the rabbits was also evaluated. It was found that environmental conditions were stressful to the animals; Vitamins (Vit C and BFPM) significantly (P<0.05) reduced rectal temperature, heart rate and triglycerides compared to other treatments. The buffers recorded significantly (P<0.05) high feed intake, calcium and thyroxine. It was concluded that ameliorating heat stress with the antioxidants were helpful to improve the performance of rabbits and was recommended to be included in rabbit diets during the hot period.

Aims: To evaluate the antioxidant activities of vitamin C and bicarbonate buffers on hormones secretion and serum metabolites of heat-stressed rabbit buck. Methodology: A total of twenty-five (25) Adult rabbit bucks (New Zealand White crosses) of 12 months old were used in this study. The rabbits were randomly allotted into the experimental treatments of five treatment groups with five (5) rabbits per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment groups consisted of Control, Sodium Bicarbonate (Na2HCO3) and Potassium bicarbonate (KNO3), Vitamin C, and baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM) as supplements respectively. The experiment lasted for 9 weeks. Temperature humidity of the pen house and thermoregulatory condition of the rabbits were evaluated. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from the ear vein at 10.00 h from four rabbits chosen randomly from each group of rabbits respectively before and the end of the experiment for serum metabolite, thyroxine and testosterone hormones evaluation. Results: It was found that Vitamin C and BFPM significantly (P<0.05) reduced thermoregulatory parameters and increased hormonal secretions. The pattern of secretion of serum metabolites was not significantly (P<0.05) consistent. Conclusion: It was concluded that Vitamin antioxidants were more effective to ameliorate heat stress than bicarbonate buffers.

The aimof the studywas to evaluate the growth performance of heat stressed rabbits fed diets supplemented with synthetic and organic antioxidants. The antioxidants used were bicarbonate buffers, vitamin C and baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM). A total of thirty (30) growing rabbits were used. The rabbits were allotted into the treatment groups with six (6) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in the first group (T ) were the control, animals in treatment 2 and treatment 3 (T ) and (T ) were fed similar diets as in the control but with potassium bicarbonate (KHCO ) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO ) buffer solutions, respectively. Rabbits in treatment four (T ) were fed diet containing synthetic vitamin C and the fifth group (T ) were fed diet containing Baobab Fruit PulpMeal (BFPM). Rabbits were given access to feed and water ad libitum. All recommended managerial practices were duly observed.Microclimate parameters of ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) of the rabbitry were taken daily from February through June. The values were used to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). It was found that vitamin C and BFPM significantly (P<0.05) enhanced feed intake compared to the treatments with buffers. It was concluded that BFPM is more effective in ameliorating heat stress in rabbit production and can be used up to 5.5% inclusion level.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of baobab fruit pulp meal on testosterone concentration and gonadal and epididymal morphometry of rabbit bucks during hot season in Nigeria. A total of 25 bucks of 10-12 months old were used. There were five (5) rabbits per group grouped as follows; T1 (control) and T2-T5 (Diets with graded levels of BFPM at 2.5%,3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5% inclusion levels, respectively). The experiment lasted for nine weeks. All management practices were duly observed. Three bucks were selected from each treatment group and slaughtered. The two testes of each of the rabbits were carefully removed and evaluated for their morphometric. The weight, length and volume of each testis were determined. It was found that the treatments with 3.5 – 5.5% BFPM significantly (P<0.05) increased testosterone concentration, weight and size of the gonad and the epididymis. It was concluded that BFPM is more effective in ameliorating heat stress in rabbit production and reproduction and can be used up to 5.5% inclusion level.

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