Doe Reproduction and Preweaning Litter Performance of Straightbred and Crossbred Rabbits

Abstract

Reproductive characters (N = 430 matings) of four doe genetic groups and preweaning performance of litters (N = 280) were evaluated in a 15-mo study. Doe genetic groups were New Zealand White (NN) and Californian (CC) straightbreds and Californian X New Zealand White (CN) and New Zealand White X Californian (NC) crossbreds. Does and litters were provided either a commercial control or a 74% alfalfa pelleted diet. Sires of litters included NN, CC and Flemish Giant (FG) straightbred bucks. The linear and quadratic regression on age of dam affected (P less than .01) litter birth weight. The NN does were heavier than CC does at first breeding at 154 d and produced heavier litters at birth and weaning (all P less than .01). Percentage survival of kits from birth to weaning and doe and preweaning litter feed intake and efficiency were greater from NN than CC does (all P less than .01). Numbers born and reared/litter to weaning at 28 d were likewise greater for NN vs CC straightbred does. Heterosis estimated from comparing litters of reciprocal crossbred vs straightbred does was significant for number born, litter birth and weaning weights and doe and preweaning litter feed intake. Reciprocal crossbred differences were observed (P less than .05) for doe breeding weight, number born and weaned per litter, litter birth and weaning weights and doe and preweaning litter feed intake, favoring CN does reared by NN straightbred dams over NC does. Diet, in consistent favor of the 74% alfalfa diet, significantly affected all traits studied with the exception of doe longevity, doe fertility percentage, and doe and litter feed efficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Crossbreeding effects for litter and lactation traits in a Saudi project to develop new lines of rabbits suitable for hot climates

“…Consequently, these results are positive for rabbit production in the Arabian Gulf countries and show the potential to involve the V line in crossbreeding programs in this area and in other hot climatic areas. However, means obtained in the present study are nearly similar to those reported in more temperate areas such as the US (Lukefahr et al, 1983a(Lukefahr et al, ,b, 1996, Denmark (Sorensen et al, 2001), Spain (Gómez et al, 1996;García et al, 2000b), or Latin America (Capra et al, 2000;Moura et al, 2001).…”

Performance of purebred and crossbred rabbits in Australia: doe reproductive and pre-weaning litter traits

“…The significant effect of doe breed on reproductive trait DW was comparable to earlier studies (Lukefahr et al 1983) and revealed that breeds differ in the weight at first successful Table 8…”

“…For these reasons, there is a high possibility of brood stock being closely related on different farms in Australia, thereby potentially reducing performance in fitness traits due to inbreeding depression. There have been several studies in other countries on various breeds and their crosses (Lukefahr et al 1983;Rochambeau 1988;Nofal et al 1996), with varying reports on their performance. Khan and Lukefahr (1996) stated that there were often inconsistencies between reports from different countries involving the same breeds.…”

A genetic analysis of litter traits in Bauscat and Giza White rabbits

“…1982). Also, various reviewed estimates of Researchers generally recognize that the genetic and/or phenotypic correlations genetic evaluation of doe productivity can be between litter size and litter weight were, in general, positive and significant (Afifi, Galal, El-Oksh and Kadry, 1980;Lukefahr et al, 1983).…”

“…Evidence in the at birth, referred to as prolificacy, and to literature (Afifi, Galal, El-Tawil and raise these young to weaning, referred to as El-Khishin, 1976a; Lukefahr, Hohenboken, maternal or nursing ability, are the main Cheeke and Patton, 1983) indicates that year characters determining her productivity. Litter of kindling, parity and month of kindling are size and weight at weaning are usually the most important environmental factors regarded as the best estimates of number and affecting litter traits in rabbits.…”