This experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of lactation on body composition, metabolic status, immune response and inflammation occurrence in V-line doe rabbits. A total number of 30 V-Line primiparous female rabbits were divided into two equal groups; 1st group: females were kept as non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL, group) and 2nd group: females were kept as lactating (L, group). Animals were fed ad-libitum a commercial pelleted diet contains 18.5 % crude protein, 14.5 % crude fiber, 2.5 % fat and 2730 kcal/kg digestible energy. The number of suckling kits was adjusted to 8 per litter; the kits were weaned at 30 days. Average feed intake (g) was weekly recorded. Body composition of does was determined by BIA technique using bioelectrical body composition analyzer (Quantum II) apparatus. Blood samples were collected from does through three stages of lactation period; early (within 2-3 d post partum), mid (14 – 15 d of suckling) and late (30 d of suckling). Blood serum was assigned for total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol determinations. Globulin and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were calculated. Concentration of T3 hormone, Tumor Necrosis Factor – Alfa (TNF-α) and Inerleukin 2 (IL-2) were estimated by using ELISA technique. The results illustrated that feed intake of does significantly increased during lactation period. In L does, body content of humidity, protein and ash were significantly higher; in contrast, fat and energy content were significantly lower. No significant differences were found in cholesterol, glucose, albumin, A/G ratio, T3 and TNF-α through stages of lactation. While, significant differences were obtained in total protein, globulin and IL-2 at mid and late stages compared to early stage of lactation. In conclusion, stressed does, which suckle high number of pups (n ≥ 8) should be kept under especial nutritional care because energy balance is negative during lactation and fat stores are mobilized, especially in primiparous does.
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