Comparative Study on Rabbit Breeds for Post Weaning Growth Traits in the Humid Tropics of Nigeria

The aim of the present study was to determine the post weaning growth traits of exotic rabbit breeds which are commercially available in this country. Two of such breeds are New Zealand White and California White rabbits. The study commenced from when the rabbits were 8 weeks old and lasted till 30th week of age. It was revealed that both breeds were not significantly (p > 0.05) different in live body weight and linear measurements. Age of rabbits has significant effect (p < 0.01) on all the traits evaluated, that is, all the body dimensions measured increased in size as the animals advanced in age. In addition, there was statistically significant (p < 0.01) positive phenotypic correlations between live weight and linear measurements. This implies that all the body dimensions were good indicators of live weight and anyone of them could be used to predict its value. Age of rabbits also has significant positive phenotypic correlation with all the traits. There was significant breed x age interaction effects on all the traits measured. In this study, it was revealed that either of the two breeds could be used to cross with our local breeds of rabbits in order to improve their productivity.