Effects of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Leaf meal inclusion on Reproductive performance and Traits’ of Rabbits in the Humid Tropics.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Mistletoe Leaf Meal (MLM) derived from two host trees—pear and citrus (sweet orange) on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Mistletoe leaves were analyzed for their nutritional, biochemical, and mineral composition and incorporated into rabbit diets at varying inclusion levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Seven experimental diets were formulated, and 28 weaned rabbits were allotted to the treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with four rabbits per treatment (1 Buck and 3 Does), further replicated for accuracy. Key reproductive parameters assessed included litter size at birth and weaning, gestation length, kindling percentage, litter weight at birth, age at first mating, and testicular morphology (scrotal circumference, testis density, volume, and length).