EFFECTS OF LITTER SIZE ON GROWTH TRAITS AND THEIR REPEATABILITY ESTIMATES IN CROSSBRED RABBITS

Abstract

This study examined the effects of litter size on growth traits and repeatability estimates in the crossbred rabbits. A total of thirty six (36) parent stock rabbits consisting of six (6) pure breed bucks (2 each of Chinchilla, Dutch and New Zealand White) and thirty mixed local population of does were used as base population. A mating ratio of 1:5 buck to does was used. Data were collected on litter size, birth weight and body weights at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. Data on 100 progenies were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results obtained showed that litter size significantly affected (P<0/05) birth weight and body weights. Repeatability estimates for birth weights was lowest for CH x LC crossbreds (0.25) and highest for NZ x LC crossbreds (0.32). Also, repeatability for body weights at various ages from 4-20 weeks were highest in NZ x LC ranging from 1.45-.1.91. In conclusion, based on the present study, we can recommend the use of New Zealand White bucks in crosses with local does as a plausible way of upgrading their genetic make-up.