Selection indexes for improved weaning and marketing body weights of the Burundi local rabbits

M R Anous

doi:10.5194/aab-44-561-2001

Abstract

Abstract. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth-related traits involving body weights at 4, 6 (weaning), 8 and 10 (marketing) weeks of age and average daily gains from 4- to 6- and 6- to 10-weeks of age (postweaning daily gain) were computed on 193 males of the Burundian local rabbits . Estimates were then used for constructing thirteen selection indexes, involved body weights at 4, 6 and 10 weeks of age and daily gains, to improve body weights of rabbits at weaning and marketing. The use of weaning weight in an index combined with body weight at 4 weeks of age (W4) and posuveaning average daily gain (index12) or postweaning daily gain solely (index2) resulted in a relative efficiency of about 100 % as using weaning weight combined with body weights at 4 and 10 weeks of age (index,) or with marketing body weight (index2) or W4 (index3). The accuracy of selection (rTI) using these indexes ranged between 0.890 and 0.906. They lead to a progress in weaning weight from 77–79 g and in marketing weight from 54–56 g. However, from a practical stand point, selection on index 3, including W4 and weaning weight, or on index 5, including weaning weight alone, could be recommended for improving both weaning and marketing weights of Burundian local rabbits.

Highlights

Small scale rabbit production involving minimal inputs, could make a substantial contribution to the supply of animal protein in developing countries
The body weights in grams at 4 (W4), 6 (W6), 8 (W8) and 10 (W)0) weeks of age were recorded for each rabbit
In agreement with the conclusion of previous reports reviewed by KHALIL et al (1986), estimates of heritability for body weight were highest at younger ages, declining to the lowest values2after weaning and increasing again at the older ages

Summary

Introduction

Small scale rabbit production involving minimal inputs, could make a substantial contribution to the supply of animal protein in developing countries. To the author's knowledge, the unique attempt was made by the author himself (ANOUS, 2000) to improve meatiness of this breed using selection index He reported that selection for the füll index involving body weights at 4, 6 and 12 weeks of age (i.e. initial, weaning and marketing body weight, respectively) is expected to lead to increase lean weight (+34.8g) through acheving extra marketing body weight (+56.lg) and higher percentage of lean (+0.62% unit) with maximum accuracy of selection 'The author worked as Expert and Professor of Animal Production in Burundi from February 1993 lo August 1996. The purposes of the present study are to quantify the genetic and phenotypic Variation and covariation of growth-related traits in the local rabbits of Burundi, and to calculate the direct and correlated responses expected from selection for both weaning and marketing body weights, considered to be of prime interest to meat rabbit breeders in Burundi, using selection index

Methods

Results

Conclusion