304 Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 2(3):304-309. 2014 Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research Journal homepage: www.gjasr.com Print ISSN: 2345-4377 Online ISSN: 2345-4385 Original Article Effect of Feed Restriction on Linear Body Measurements and Weight Changes of Pregnant Rabbit Does A.A. Adeyemo 1,* , O.A. Adeyemi 1 , A.A. Ayoola 1 , O.M. Sogunle 1 , A.J. Ademokoya 1 and A.M. Bamgbose 2 1 Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria 2 Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Corresponding Author: A.A. Adeyemo arkeens25@gmail.com Restricted feeding of growing rabbits has two advantages such that using an adequate feed restriction could help decrease feed intake without reduction of the body weight and also prevent the occurrence of enteritis after weaning. A four- week study was conducted to determine the effect of varying levels and periods of feed restriction during pregnancy on linear body measurements and weight changes of rabbit does. A total of thirty six rabbit does (36) were grouped into three consisting of 12 rabbits does each. These rabbit does were exposed to three levels of quantitative feed restriction (0.15 and 30%) at three different periods of gestation (15-19, 20-24 and 25-29 days). Data collected on performance and linear body measurements were arranged in a 3×3 factorial experimental layout and then subjected to completely randomised design using SAS. The result showed significant differences (p<0.05) in final weight and weight gain. While, all other parameters measured for linear body measurement were not significantly (p>0.05) affected. In this study, it was revealed that the levels and periods of feed restriction do not have any negative effect on linear body measurement of pregnant rabbit does. Keywords: Feed restriction, linear body measurement, Pregnant, rabbit does. How to cite this article: Adeyemo, A.A., O.A. Adeyemi, A.A. Ayoola, O.M. Sogunle, A.J. Ademokoya and A.M. Bamgbose. 2014. Effect of Feed Restriction on Linear Body Measurements and Weight Changes of Pregnant Rabbit Does. Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 2(3): 304-309. Article History: Received: 25 June 2014 Revised: 6 July 2014 Accepted: 9 July 2014 Copyright © 2014, World Science and Research Publishing. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION Rabbit production is gradually becoming an important source of income and employment generation in Nigeria. It can serve as alternative source of cheap animal protein to mitigate the negative impacts of malnutrition in infants and adults which is prevalent in developing countries. The only limiting factor reported to be affecting growth and productivity of rabbits in tropical and arid climates according to McNitt et al., (2000) is calorie stress associated with high ambient temperature. Rabbit meat provides a cheap source of meat which is