Influence of breed-type and parity order on pre-weaning litter traits of rabbits raised in derived savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Pre-weaning litter traits such as litter size and weight at birth and weaning are of economic importance for profitable expansion of the rabbit industry. This study investigated the influence of breed-type and parity order on pre-weaning litter traits of three rabbit breeds raised in Nigeria. Data were obtained on purebred progenies, from three parities, of does belonging to Chinchilla, Dutch and New Zealand white breeds. Does were firstmatedat9-11month sof age.Traits evaluated include litter size and weight at birth and weaning (56 daysof age) and pre-weaning mortality rate. Highly significant breed-type and parity order effects (p<0.001) were found in litter size and weight at birth and weaning. The Chinchilla had 12.58% and 11.54% more kits at birth than the Dutch and New Zealand white breeds respectively.More kits (p<0.01) were also weaned by the Chinchilla.On average, litters from Chinchilla were heavier (42.74 ± 1.28g and 390.51 ± 5.14g at birth and weaning respectively) than those from Dutch and New Zealand white. Litter size and weight at birth and weaning were highest in the first parity (p<0.001). Pre-weaning mortality rate ranged from 19.47- 22.99% but was not affected by breed-type or parity order. The use of Chinchilla breed and selection criterion based on first parity litter traits is recommended for genetic and economic improvement of rabbits in Nigeria.