Effect of genetic and non genetic factors on pre-weaning growth of † broiler rabbits and their crosses

Abstract

The data on 847 bunnies of purebred Flemish Giant (FG) and two synthetic breeds namely APAU Fawn (FN) and 
APAU Black (BL) and their crosses born during October 2012 to September 2013 were analyzed to study the 
effect of genetic group, season of birth and litter size at birth on pre-weaning body weights and average daily 
gain. The genetic group significantly influenced the pre-weaning body weights at all the ages except at 4th week 
of age whereas the average daily gain was influenced at all the pre-weaning ages. The least squares mean body 
weights were 50.20 ± 0.48, 111.05 ± 1.26, 154.83 ± 1.97, 203.86 ± 2.90 and 406.81 ± 6.01g at birth, 1, 2, 3 and 4 
weeks of age, respectively. The synthetic APAU Black proved its superiority over the other purebreds and 
crossbreds. The FG, heaviest breed of rabbits, recorded lowest body weights at all the pre-weaning ages while 
the highest average daily gain showed by it at 4th week of age. Season of birth had a highly significant (P≤0.01) 
effect on the pre-weaning body weights and average daily gain (ADG). Bunnies born in summer had higher body 
weights than those born in rainy and winter seasons. As the litter size increased the body weights as well as 
average daily gain were significantly decreased. In conclusion, based on body weights and average daily gain 
the synthetic pure breeds APAU Black and APAU Fawn performed well whereas purebred FG was the least 
performing among all the genetic groups studied.