Bright Udo JOHNSON

This study investigated the impact of body and environmental temperatures on the growth performance of rabbits reared in University of Benin, a tropical environment. Forty rabbits were randomly allocated to four treatment groups and housed in different hutches with varied feeder heights. Data on environmental temperature, body temperature, feed intake, water intake, and weight gain were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed significant differences(p<0.05) in body temperature among treatment groups, indicating the influence of housing and feeder placement on rabbit thermoregulation. Environmental temperature remained relatively stable across treatments. Feed intake showed variability, with a slight decrease observed from the control group to the standard height feeder group. Water intake varied among treatments, but no significant differences(p>0.05) were found. Weekly weight gain did not significantly differ(p>0.05) among treatment groups. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between average weekly body temperature and environmental temperature(p < 0.01), while a moderate negative correlation was observed between body temperature and feed intake(p < 0.01). Daily variations in body temperature and feed intake were also noted, highlighting the influence of ambient conditions on rabbit physiology and behavior. Discussion of the findings emphasized the importance of understanding temperature effects on rabbit performance for effective management in tropical climates. Practical implications include implementing strategies to mitigate heat stress and optimize productivity through proper shade, ventilation, and hydration management. This study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between temperature variables and rabbit growth performance, offering evidence-based recommendations for
sustainable rabbit production in tropical environments.

This study investigated the impact of body and environmental temperatures on the growth performance of rabbits reared in University of Benin, a tropical environment. Forty rabbits were randomly allocated to four treatment groups and housed in different hutches with varied feeder heights. Data on environmental temperature, body temperature, feed intake, water intake, and weight gain were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed significant differences(p<0.05) in body temperature among treatment groups, indicating the influence of housing and feeder placement on rabbit thermoregulation. Environmental temperature remained relatively stable across treatments. Feed intake showed variability, with a slight decrease observed from the control group to the standard height feeder group. Water intake varied among treatments, but no significant differences(p>0.05) were found. Weekly weight gain did not significantly differ(p>0.05) among treatment groups. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between average weekly body temperature and environmental temperature(p < 0.01), while a moderate negative correlation was observed between body temperature and feed intake(p < 0.01). Daily variations in body temperature and feed intake were also noted, highlighting the influence of ambient conditions on rabbit physiology and behavior. Discussion of the findings emphasized the importance of understanding temperature effects on rabbit performance for effective management in tropical climates. Practical implications include implementing strategies to mitigate heat stress and optimize productivity through proper shade, ventilation, and hydration management. This stud ycontributes valuable insights into the relationship between temperature variablesand rabbit growth performance, offering evidence-based recommendations for sustainable rabbit production in tropical environments.