Abstract:
Rabbit keeping offers numerous advantages, which are derived from its attributes. A measure of rabbit conformation is desirable as it will enable reliable genetic parameters for these traits to be estimated and permit inclusion in breeding programmes. A 20 - week experiment was conducted. Three hundred kits of rabbits were evaluated for body weights - linear parameters, haematological and serum biochemical indices of fifty - six (56) rabbit genotypes and protein profile of sixteen (16) rabbit genotypes were determined. The result showed that genotype, sex, litter size and breeding methods were important sources of variation for body weight and linear parameters. The result of growth parameters revealed that genotype and sex had significant (P<0.05) influence on birth, 28, 56, 84 and 140 days of age. Though, the females had the highest mean body weight. Rabbits with two (2) litter size had the highest body weight at different ages except at 84 days, while the highest linear body measurements were observed in rabbits with four (4) litter size at weeks 1 and 4. Cross breeding method recorded the highest mean body weight and linear measurements while the purebred performed poorly. Genotypes body weights linear traits relationships showed that quadratic model was best in the prediction of body weight from linear measurements based on the coefficient of determination (R2). Heterotic effect on linear traits and body weight at 84 days was positive but negative for body weight at birth, 28 and 140 days of ages. The results of haematological and serum biochemical indices showed that genotypes and sex had significant (P<0.05) influence. Male rabbits had higher means value than female rabbits. The serum band patterns of major proteins analyzed were the same for each serum. It could be concluded that improving the rabbit’s performance, linear measurements and blood characteristics of rabbit genotypes are feasible
