Effect of Gestation and Season on the Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gestation and season on the haematological and biochemical parameters in domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) to improve the conditions of breeding and conservation in Saudi Arbia. For this study. 30 non-pregnant and 30 pregnant rabbits on day 24 to 26 of gestation were examined. The animals weighed between 2.6 and 3.6 kg and were 1.8-2.6 years old. Blood samples were collected from pregnant and non–pregnant rabbits in January (winter season), April (spring season), July (summer season) and October (autumn season) for analyzing hematological and biochemical parameters. It was revealed for the study that the value of hematological parameters i.e., erythrocyte, leukocyte, lymphocyte numbers and haemoglobin concentrations of pregnant rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) decreased compared with non-pregnant rabbit. Whereas, mean corpuscular volume was significantly (p<0.05) increased in pregnant rabbits compared with non-pregnant ones. The value of biochemical parameters i.e., total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in pregnant rabbits compared with non-pregnant. Whereas, glucose level was significantly (p<0.05) increased in pregnant rabbits compared with non-pregnant rabbits. Most of hematological parameters significantly (p<0.05) decreased in July. In contrast only few significant changes recorded in biochemical parameters. In conclusion, the rabbits suffer of heat stress during summer season and this causes deterioration in some, hematological constituents and biochemical parameters. These changes can be reflected on the activities, performance and fetus of pregnant rabbits under hot environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia. Hence, it can be concluded that winter is the best season for breeding and conservation of domestic rabbits.