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A genetic analysis of litter traits in Bauscat and Giza White rabbits

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. H. Khalil ,
J. B. Owen  and
E. A. Afifi
M. H. Khalil
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture at Moshtohor, Zagazig University, Banha Branch, Egypt
J. B. Owen
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW
E. A. Afifi
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture at Moshtohor, Zagazig University, Banha Branch, Egypt
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Abstract

An analysis of doe productivity traits was carried out on 884 litter records including 52 sires and 210 daughters (paternal half sisters) of Bauscat (B) and Giza White (G) rabbits. Traits examined included litter size and weight at birth and at weaning, pre-weaning mortality and mean weight of young at weaning. Year-of-kindling affected most litter traits but no pattern of parity effects on litter size and pre-weaning mortality was observed. Litter weight and mean weight of young at weaning generally increased linearly as parity advanced. Litter size and weight and mean weight of young tended to increase as month of kindling advanced from October to March, and to decrease again during April and May. Pre-weaning mortality decreased as month of kindling advanced up to March and increased thereafter during April and May. The sire of the doe affected all litter traits studied, with the exception of litter size at birth and pre-weaning mortality in the B breed. Estimates of heritability for most of the litter traits were moderate or high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among litter size traits and between litter size and litter weight traits were positive and relatively moderate or large. Litter weight traits were positively correlated both genetically and phenotypically. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between litter size traits and mean weight of young at weaning were negative and relatively moderate or large.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 45 , Issue 1 , August 1987 , pp. 123 - 134
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1987

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