The effect of male proximity on vaginal patency, estrous cycle length and feed intake of female grasscutters.

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of male proximity on vaginal patency, estrous cycle length and feed intake of nulliparous and pluriparous grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) does. Twelve non-pregnant and non-lactating adult female (six nulliparous and six pluriparous) grasscutters and six proven male grasscutters were used for the study in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The factors were the type of contact between the sexes (no visual contact v.

Predicting the energy and protein requirements of the pregnant grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck) using the changes in weight and composition of the foetus and associated tissues of pregnancy.

Eighteen (18) gravid uteri collected from hunters' kills during February and March 2008 were used to investigate growth and accretion of energy and protein in the gravid uterus during pregnancy in the grasscutter. Each gravid uterus was separated into foetal, placental, empty uterus and foetal fluids (amniotic and allantoic fluids combined) components. Individual tissues were weighed and analyzed for dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP) and crude fat.

Metabolic fecal nitrogen and digestibility estimates in the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus).

The metabolic fecal nitrogen and digestibility estimates in the grasscutter were determined using 12 captive-bred adult animals fed with four experimental diets differing primarily in crude protein content using nitrogen balance trial approach. Grasscutters required 343.5 mg N kg(-0.