Abstract
One hundred and thirty rabbits were used to evaluate the effect of genotype, gestation length, season, parity and sex on growth traits of two breeds of rabbit and their crosses. The rabbit used for the experiment were breeds of the New Zealand White (NZW) and Chinchilla (CH) breed. Six breeding bucks (three/breed) and eighteen breeding does (nine/breed) served as the foundation stock. Traits measured include: body weight (BW), nose to shoulder length (NTS), shoulder to tail length (STL), heart girth (HG), trunk length (TL) and length of ear (LE). Results revealed that, BW of the rabbits were influenced (p<0.05) by genotype, gestation length and season. CH x (CH x NZW) progenies had better BW at 35-d and 49-d of age while NZW x CH progenies had better BW at 21-d of age. Kittens born late (32-34 days) had better BW at 21-d, 35-d and 49-d while kittens kindled during early dry season had better BW at 21-d, 35-d and 49-d. Genotype affected (p<0.05) all the body measurements at 21-d, 35-d and 49-d. Gestation length affected (p<0.05) all the body measurements except for NTS at 21-d and HG at 49-d respectively. Season of birth also influenced (p<0.05) all the body measurements except for LE 21-d. Parity and sex had no effect (p>0.05) on BW, NTS, STL, HG, TL and LE. It was concluded that genotype, gestation length and season influenced BW and body dimensions of the two breeds of rabbit and their crosses while parity and sex had no effect.
Highlights
There is no doubt that the Nigerian population is fast growing
There are many breeds of rabbit; this study aims at evaluating the influence of genotype on growth traits of two breeds of rabbit and their crosses
Kittens born during late dry season were poorer in terms of body weight except at 49-d when kittens born during late rain were poorer
Summary
The recent human population figure of Nigeria was put at over 140 million (NPC, 2006). This means that urgent action needs to be taken if the animal protein need of the people is to be met. Livestock products are generally rich in nutrients and are of high biological value and very suitable for man. They are a good source of micronutrients difficult to obtain in adequate quantities from plant sources (Adama, 2008). There is no known taboo (cultural or religious) against the consumption of its meat (Biobaku, 1992) This makes it a veritable source of available protein. The potential for genetic improvement is a characteristic that makes the rabbit suitable as a source of cheap and readily available animal protein
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