Selecting for higher growth in rabbit raised in the rainforest zone of Nigeria using stochastic approach

Abstract

Five hundred and fifty four weekly body weight records of mixed strains of Dutch and New Zealand White rabbits were analysed to model the growth of rabbits using the stochastic approach for improved breeding. The weekly body weights were collected from 2 weeks to 22 weeks of age when the rabbits were sexually matured. The result of stochastic modeling approach on the data gave a deterministic equation of W*t=29.4exp(0.809*(1-exp(-0.007*t))/0.007) as against a standard deterministic equation of W*t=51exp(0.113*(1-exp(-0.026*t))/0.026) obtained from historical information on New Zealand White rabbit. The stochastic model showed that all rabbits used in the study were poor performance animals whose growth can however be manipulated at week 7 and week 4 and 9 for heavy and light females respectively for improved growth. Key words: Selecting higher growth, stochastic approach, rabbits.