EFFECT OF 2% FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE AND THE LACTATION CURVE OF RABBIT DOES

The influence of adding the fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) on the lactation curve was studied in the rabbits does (New-Zealand X Californian X local). Thirty does were randomly divided into three groups (n=10) considering live weight, parity. Two types of diets were used: A control group was fed a normal diet (C), while the treated groups (E1 and E2) received the diet (C) supplemented with 2% of fenugreek (E). The does of group E 1 consume the E diet and those of E 2 consume the diet E only during two weeks before weaning otherwise does eat diet (C). The groups were nursed until weaning at 35 days of age. Milk yield was measured daily until day 35 with separation of kits and weighing immediately before and after controlled sucking. Findings of induction of 2% fenugreek in diet establish that the mortality at the birth is lower than the control groups. It is observed especially in group E1 that the weight of the rabbits before weaning is 58, 14g±9, 86; and the quantity of milk produced is significantly important (p<0.05) than the other groups with a peak of 237, 17g for the group E1 and 163, 95g for the control group.