Abstract/Summary

The inclusion of both micro and macro nutrients has been investigated in the field of animal production and research, expressing promising effects. Perhaps incorporation of both dietary Selenium and Protein at appropriate levels has presented a tremendous impact on productive and reproductive performance of livestock, particularly in tropical environments. However the efficiency of growth and normal physiological functions depends on composition and bioavailability of these nutrients in the diets. These effects could be mediated via the hypothalamic- pituitary-axis in regulating thyroid and growth hormones that have been shown to affect differentiation and proliferation of somatic and gonadal cells. However, under high ambient temperature and humidity the efficiency of feed utilization would be compromised and reproductive function deteriorates, as a consequence of impairment in appetite and subsequent oxidative stress due to hyperthermia. In addition consequent effects of thermal stress may also involved activation and or inhibition of the hypothalamus-pituitary liver axis. Apparently rabbits require a high protein diet in order to compensate for low feed intake under hot climatic conditions; and dietary selenium as a potent antioxidant. Therefore dietary protein and selenium supplementation at appropriate level of inclusion apparently have the potential to improve male rabbit general performance at reasonable cost.