One experiment on reproductivity of Californian does was conducted to evaluate the
effects of the Arachis pintoi levels in basal diet of Para grass (Brachiaria mutica).
Forty does were fed in individual cages and arranged in a completely randomized
design with 5 treatments and 8 replications. Five treatments were the Arachis
pintoi (AP) replacing Para grass at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% (DM basis) in the
diets corresponding to the AP0, AP25, AP50, AP75 and AP100 treatments. In two
litters the results showed that the intakes of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM)
of the does in pregnant and lactating periods were not significantly different, while
these intakes of crude protein (CP) of the does in were significantly increased
(pArachis pintoi in the diet and the highest values
for the AP100 treatment. The litter size at birth and at weaning and daily milk yield of
does were gradually improved by the CP of the dietary increasing AP with the better
reproductive performance for the AP75 treatment. The conclusion was that the AP
replacing 75% Para grass in diets should be applied for Californian rabbit does in
practice.
Key words: rabbit, dietary protein, legume forage, nutrient intake, Para grass,
reproduction