Effect of inbreeding and sex on growth and slaughter traits in rabbits

Abstract

The aim of this study was the analysis of meat production traits based on pre-slaughter traits (body weight, growth rate, daily gain) and post-slaughter traits (carcass traits, dressing out percentages). Materials were New Zealand White and Belgian Giant Grey crossbred rabbits. Two variants of crossing were used. Variant I – crossbred (F1) unrelated rabbits (RAB = 0) – received non-inbred rabbits (Fx = 0), variant II – crossbred (F1) related rabbits (full siblings RAB = 0.5) – received inbred rabbits (Fx = 0.25). Pre-slaughter traits were analyzed for 106 animals (75♂ : 31♀) while post-slaughter traits for 84 animals (53♂ : 31♀). Inbreeding coefficients were calculated using a CFC program. After weaning at 35 days of age, animals were fed pellets ad libitum. Rabbits were weighed weekly from birth to 12 weeks of age. Slaughter and dissection at 12 weeks of age were performed. The results indicated that inbreeding and sex had a significant effect on meat production traits. During the rearing period inbred animals had a significantly lower body weight. Inbred rabbits also had a significantly higher fat and bone content in the fore part, bone in loin, in hind part and whole carcass and lower meat and fat content in carcass and loin. The males had a significantly higher body weight at birth and 2 and 4 weeks of age, while females were characterized by a significantly higher body weight in the 1st, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th weeks of rearing. Significant differences between males and females in fat content in the fore part and loin were observed.