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Immediate postnatal sucking in the rabbit: its influence on pup survival and growth.

Authors :
Coureaud G
Schaal B
Coudert P
Rideaud P
Fortun-Lamothe L
Hudson R
Orgeur P
Source :
Reproduction, nutrition, development [Reprod Nutr Dev] 2000 Jan-Feb; Vol. 40 (1), pp. 19-32.
Publication Year :
2000

Abstract

This study was aimed at characterising the impact of immediate postnatal sucking on pup survival and development. The interactive effects of postnatal success with the day 0 weight of pups, the nest-access regimen (controlled or free) or parity of females was investigated. Pups (n = 900) were categorised according to their initial ingestion of colostrum. In primiparous does: (1) pup mortality between d0-d10 was higher for unsuccessful than for successful early suckers; (2) lighter d0-weight reduced survival for unsuccessful but not for successful pups; (3) free nest-access of females annihilated the survival advantage fostered by the initial sucking success. In secondiparous does, these impacts waned. Finally, whatever the does' parity, only d0-weight influenced pup weight-gain between d0-21. Thus, pup survival seemed to depend (at least in primiparae) on their ability to suck right after birth, and to display a pattern of energy saving without being disturbed by the females' nest entries.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0926-5287
Volume :
40
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Reproduction, nutrition, development
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
10737548
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1051/rnd:2000117