The production efficiency of any livestock depends to a large extent on its reproductive performance. Research is needed to overcome the problems associated with reproduction and docility in domesticated grasscutter. The present study was conducted to compare the reproductive, growth and docility in common coat and albino grasscutters using the kindling records of 108 does (72 common coat and 39 albino does). Records collected include litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, weekly body weight and weight gain, and docility index. The common coat grasscutter does produced larger number of pups (p<0.001) at birth and at weaning than albino grasscutters. However, albino does produced pups that were heavier (p<0.05) in body weight and average daily weight gain from birth up to 72 days of age than common coat grasscutters. Preweaning mortality was lower in albino than common coat grasscutters. Docility index were 2.26 and 2.51 for albino and common coat grasscutters, respectively. The present study showed that albino grasscutter grows faster than common coat strain. There is the need to carry out selection work on albino grasscutter to further enhance increased body weight, livestock handling and grasscutter welfare. 1484337361.php
Reproduction, Growth performance and docility in Common coat and Albino Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Date : 2017-03-07 Volume : 9