Pattern of Early Growth Traits and Predictions in Progenies of Mongrel Rabbits

Abstract

A research lasting six months was carried out with progenies of mongrel rabbits to investigate the pattern of early growth traits and to predict body weight. Rabbits were managed extensively, and fed ad libitum proprietary feed (15% CP and 2300 Kcal/kg ME), supplemented with forages. Data collected (body weight; head and neck circumferences; body, ear and face lengths; hind and forelimbs) were analyzed using regression, in Gen Stat software computer programme, 13th edition. Prediction equations for estimating body weight using linear body measurements were determined. Results revealed a pattern of gradual increase in body weight from birth till 70th day. Highest percentage increase was observed from birth to day 14. Linear body measurements ranked in the following order: hind limb (45.60 cm), body length (39.69 cm), body circumference (37.81 cm), forelimb (25.53 cm), ear length (22.50 cm), neck circumference (18.16 cm), head circumference (17.17 cm), and face length (16.08 cm). When body weight was predicted within specific age groups, face length and head circumference were not part of the prediction equations. Body weight was predictable from face length, hind limb, body and neck circumferences when age was not considered. Prediction equations involving more linear parameters were more reliable than those with fewer body parameters.