Abstract
In rabbits’ reproductive performance, litter size, birth weight, growth, and mortality rate are among the most important indicators to define the productive potential and they are associated with parity order. Birth weight and little size are valuable parameters as related to mortality and weaning weight. Thus, it is important to study individual newborn and intra-litter homogeneity parameters. This trial aimed to consider the litter homogeneity weight at birth, both within each litter and in the whole population, in order to suggest new proper within-litter homogenisation parameters. In this study, the 1st and 6th parity order had, respectively, the lowest and highest values in litter size (8.96 vs 12.39, n), born-alive (8.36 vs 12.22, n), litter weight (456.4 g vs 719.8, g), born-alive weight, and quartiles’ homogeneity. These parameters decreased in greater parity orders. No significant effects on still-born numbers and mortality rates were evidenced. All these litter homogeneity evaluation parameters appeared interesting in describing differences between parity orders. The results confirmed that does parity order influences litter size and born-alive weight, but also the intra- and inter-litter homogenisation. Litter homogenisation is crucial to ensure a proportionate share of milk, more equal growth, and better productive performances. Based on these results, we suggest for the commercial genetic centres to equalise the litters according to the birth weight, by dividing the population into quartiles and rearing kits with light birth weight in smaller litters and those with heavier birth weight in larger litters. HIGHLIGHTS Does parity order influences litter size and born-alive weight Kit’s quartiles distribution is a useful tool for equalisation practice
Highlights
In the last decades, breeding strategies have been implemented in the rabbit industry to increase its efficiency and sustainability
With the exception of still-born number (SB) and mortality rate (MR), the effect of parity order was highly significant (p < .01) for all traits considered in the present study
Both born-alive weight (BAW) < 45 g n and % were significantly associated with parity order (p < .01)
Summary
In the last decades, breeding strategies have been implemented in the rabbit industry to increase its efficiency and sustainability. In Italy, the genetic selection is operated by ‘Libro Genealogico della specie cunicola’ (D.M. 18.11.72) and demanded to the Italian Breeders Association (Associazione Italiana Allevatori, D.M. 24.11.1981). Concurrently to this activity, private companies have implemented selection lines and produced patented hybrids. The variation of LW, individual LW, and LS are associated with parity order; for example, LS is substantially lower in the first kindling compared to the subsequent litters (Szendro} 2000). Individual birth weight is about 60–70 g, but it can range from 35–40 to 80–90 g (Poigner et al 2000a,b)
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