STUDIES OF SOME PRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN RABBIT

Abstract

This study was carried out at the Agricultural Research center, Animal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agricultural, EL­ Gemeza Experiment Station - Tanta. From September, 1998 till April 2000

Studies used four breads one of them local bread of rabbit (Baladi Red) and the others foreign breeds (New Zealand White, Flander and V­ Line ) The aim of this study was carried out to compare between the local :>read and the other foreign breeds of productive traits such as, litter size at :>irth, one week, 3- week and 4- week (weaning) and the litter weight at the ;arne time. The results can be summarized as follows : Effect of breed :- A- Litter size :- The V-L rabbit had the largest number of litter size at birth, while the NZW had the largest number at one week. With advanced the age the B.R had the largest number of litter size at 3- week and at weaning than the other breeds. B - Litter weight :- In general the NZW had the largest litter weight than the other breeds. Effect of parity :- . There were no significant differences between the three parities at birth, one week, 3- week and 4- week (weaning) in litter size. Effect of month :- There were no apparent trend of litter size at different monthes. Gestation period (days):- There were no significant differences due to the breed and parities on gestation period. While there were some effect of cold month on gestation periods. Mortality :- Baladi red had the lowest value of mortality rate from birth to weaning than the other breeds. Effect of parity :- There were no apparent trend of mortality rate due to the effect of parities.