Mortality pattern in broiler rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) under warm humid conditions of West Bengal, India

The mortality pattern in the two breeds of broiler rabbit viz., Soviet Chinchilla and Grey Giant from 0–84 days of age under warm humid conditions of West Bengal in India was studied. The mortality rates of Soviet Chinchilla and Grey Giant rabbits were recorded as 29.87% and 22.47% respectively. However, analysis of variance did not show any significant effect of breed on mortality. The mortality rate was the highest in summer (33.33%) followed by winter (26.39%) and monsoon (19.52%). However, analysis qf variance revealed that the effect of season on rabbit mortality was non-significant. The overall perinatal {0–7 days) mortality (17.51%) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than pre-weaning (8–42 days, 6.16%) and post-weaning (43–84 days, 2.10%) stages of life.