ISSN 2167-0447
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 458-460, May, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on post-weaning body weight in rabbits
Rojan P.M1., K.A. Bindu2 and T.V. Raja3
1Academic Consultant, KVASU, India. 2 Associate Professor and Head, COVAS, Pookode, India. 3Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, COVAS, Pookode, India.
Abstract
A complete 3 x 3 diallel cross was performed involving White Giant (WG), Soviet Chinchilla (SC) and Grey Giant (GG) breeds of rabbits at the University rabbit farm under the Centre for Advanced Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala, India to study the growth performance of rabbits with respect to different genetic and non-genetic factors. Growth records of F1 progeny were taken at fortnightly interval from four to twelfth weeks of age. The results revealed that among purebreds, the highest post-weaning body weights at fourth, sixth, tenth and twelfth week were recorded in White Giant (WG). Among crossbreds, progenies of WG male crossed to GG female (WGxGG) recorded the highest post-weaning weight from fourth to twelfth week. Season of birth had an influence on fourth and sixth week body weights.
Key words: Diallel, litter size at birth, weight and age of dam at kindling, season of birth, sex of kit.