Efecto de la castración química (ácido láctico) sobre los índices productivos de conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) de engorde

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of chemical castration (lactic acid) and immunocastration on productive indexes and testosterone levels in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) destined for fattening. The investigation was carried out in Pinguilí Santo Domingo, Mocha, province of Tungurahua. Three treatments were established for the experiment: a control group not castrated, a second group castrated with 5% of lactic acid applied intratesticular, and a third group that received a formula of anti GnRH (immunocastration). The results obtained indicated that there were no significant differences between the treatments in relation to weight gain (0,617>0,05), feed conversion (0,345>0,05), slaughter weight (0,837>0,05) and carcass yield (0,837>0,05). However, significant differences were found in feed consumption in kilograms (0,000<0,05) and testosterone levels (0,009<0,05), with the control group having the highest mean in both cases compared to non-castrated groups. In conclusion, chemical and immunological castration in rabbits for fattening did not have a significant impact on the productive indexes evaluated. However, an influence on testosterone levels was observed, suggesting that these castration techniques could have implications in the hormonal regulation of the animals, thereby influencing their behavior, reducing aggressive behavior and therefore the amount of and depth of lesions.