Observation on purebred and crossbred litters of Giza White and Grey Giant Flander rabbits in Egypt - 1990
Journal of Applied Rabbit Research, USA (This Journal is currently named World Rabbit Science). • 1990
Publication Information
Authors
Afifi, E.A. and Khalil, M.H.
Keywords
Purebred and crossbred rabbits, Crossbreeding, heterosis
Journal
Journal of Applied Rabbit Research, USA (This Journal is currently named World Rabbit Science).
Publisher
World Rabbit Science Association
Volume
12
Issue
Not Available
Pages
273-277
publication.type
International
Paper Link
Not Available
Supplementary Materials
Not Available
Abstract
Litter size and weight at birth and at weaning in addition to pre-weaning litter losses were investigated using purebred and single crossbred litters produced by Giza White (G) and Grey Giant Flander (F) rabbits. The overall least squares means of litter size at birth and at weaning were 6.4 and 3.4 young, respectively. The corresponding estimates for litter weight were 333 and 1389 g. The percent of pre-weaning litter losses averaged 17.0%. The effects of breed group, age , of doe and parity on litter traits were not significant. Month of kindling constituted an important factor influencing (P < 0.01) all traits studied. Pre-weaning litter losses increased insignificantly with the increase of litter size at birth. Crossbreeding between G and F rabbits was associated with the presence of heterotic effects on litter size and weight at birth and at weaning and also with a reduction in pre-weaning litter losses.
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