Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Animal Production

A total number of 135 V-line primiparous does and 24 fertile bucks were used in three experiments; the first was to determine in vivo body composition of V-line doe rabbits through gestation and lactation by using bioelectrical impedance Analysis (BIA) technique. The second was to study the effect of gestation and lactation stages on body conditions, blood metabolites, immune response and inflammatory reactions of V-line doe rabbits. Meanwhile, the third was to evaluate body condition, metabolic status, immune response and inflammation occurrence in V-line doe rabbits during lactation. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technique using bioelectrical body composition analyzer (quantum II) was used to determine the in vivo chemical body composition. Also, metabolic status, productive and reproductive performance and immune and inflammatory responses were determined. The main results were; feed intake of the pregnant (P) does significantly increased (+25 %) and decreased (-64%) at mid and end of pregnancy, respectively. Significant sharp decrease in body fat (g and % DM) and energy (MJ and kJ/100g) content were found in lactating-pregnant (LP) does. Gestation and lactation were found to be associated with significant decrease in body energy. Glucose, cholesterol, albumin and A/G ratio were decreased through gestation and lactation. Serum TNF-Ü concentration was significantly decreased through gestation, lactation and both of them. Whereas, serum IL-2 concentration did not significantly vary in relation to pregnancy and lactation. No significant differences were found in cholesterol, glucose, albumin, A/G ratio, T3 and TNF-Ü concentrations through stages of lactation. Significant differences were obtained in total protein, globulin and IL-2 concentrations at mid and late stages compared to early stage of lactation

Issued also as CD