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Genetic studies for some economic traits in rabbits
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Abstract: An experiment on NZW and Californian (Cal) rabbits was carried our to evaluate genetically and phenotypically some litter traits, reproductive intervals and postweaning growth performance of these two breeds under the Egyptian conditions. Data on 581 litters and 2251young rabbits were collected from the experimental rabbitry of the Faculty of Agriculture at Moshtohor, Zagazig University, Egypt for two consecutive years started in October 1988. Litter traits evaluated were litter size at birth and weaning, number born alive, litter weight at birth and weaning, preweaning absolute gain and daily gain of litter and number dead before weaning, while reproductive intervals were days open, kindling interval and gestation length. Postweaning body weights (at 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks) and daily gain and relative growth rates (at intervals of 5-6, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-12 weeks) were also evaluated. A linear mixed models were used for analyzing such data. Results showed that litters of NZW breed had slightly higher means than those of Cal, i.e. NZW litters are higher in size, weight and gain of litter along with a lower number dead before weaning. Reproductive intervals of NZW rabbits were relatively lower than in Cal rabbits. High variation in all litter traits and reproductive intervals for NZW and Cal rabbits were obtained. The reproductive intervals in both breed were also affected (P<0.001) by year-season. spring-kindlers recorded the smallest size and the lightest weight and gain compared to autumn and winter kindlers. Litters born in spring had higher preweaning dead number than those litters born in autumn and winter.
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| Publication year |
1993
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| Organization Name |
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| Country |
Egypt
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| Department |
Rabbit, Turkey and Water Fowl Research Department
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| Author(s) from ARC |
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| Agris Categories |
Animal husbandry
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AGROVOC
TERMS |
Economic value.
Genetics.
Rabbits.
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| Publication Type |
Master Thesis
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