Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
Sridevi B and Theja Sri J

Abstract:
Selective breeding of rabbits for body weights and litter size at birth is practised to improve the production. Data on 899 bunnies belonging to New Zealand White (NZW), Flemish Giant (FG), Soviet Chinchilla (SC), Grey Giant (GG), Californian White (CW), APAU Black (BL) and Fawn (FN) were analyzed to assess the influence of genetic groups on pre weaning and post weaning body weights and litter traits. The overall least square mean body weights at birth, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age were 49.776±0.917, 114.82±2.691, 163.293±3.999, 229.504±7.470, 338.944±12.955, respectively and at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 691.060±20.676, 935.953±24.863, 1164.426±27.859, 1369.319±32.464, 1567.659±39.089 and 1841.987±51.090 g respectively. There was a significant effect of genetic groups on body weights at different pre weaning and post weaning ages and on litter traits of rabbits.