Impact of crossbreeding on performance traits in two breeds of rabbit under Egyptian conditions

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of breed (V-Line and Baladi Black) on doe reproductive traits and  their cross breeding on litter traits and economic efficiency.

Design: Randomized controlled experimental study.

Procedures: A total of twenty adult females and six males from each breed with 2.75-3.00 kg of live body weight and 5-6 months of age were used. Experimental animals were divided into four groups (ten females and three males per each treatment). The first treatment was specified to V-Line males with V-Line females (V×V), the second treatment contained Baladi Black males with V-Line females (B×V),  the third treatment had the VLine males with Baladi Black females (V×B) and the fourth treatment contained the Baladi Black males with  Baladi Black females (B×B). Within 12 hours after kindling, litters were checked and date of birth and number and weight of kits were  recorded. The female was re-mated after 10 days from kindling. Young rabbits were weaned at five weeks of age and were transferred to  the progeny cages with a group of five rabbits per cage. A total of 84 kids (twenty-one rabbits per genetic group) were fattened for about  9 weeks (from 5th to 14th weeks of age).

Results: The results showed that breed had no significant effect on all reproductive traits, litter  size and pre-weaning mortality rate at three stages of age (at birth, 21 day and 35 day). There were however, highly significant  differences for litter weight and mean bunny weight at the same stages of age. Also, significant differences were detected for weight gain  and average daily gain where the litter of V♂×V♀ genetic group outperformed other genetic groups. Significant differences among  genetic groups were detected for economic measures; litter of V♂×V♀ genetic group recorded the highest values for total returns, net  return and economic efficiency.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: It could be concluded that purebred V Line (V♂×V♀) showed  improvement in the litter traits and economic efficiency compared with the other genetic groups.