Post weaning performance of broiler rabbits¹

Effect of genetic and non genetic factors on post weaning body weights (BW) and average daily gains (ADG) of broiler rabbits reared under cage and deep litter systems were studied by using least squares analysis. Effects of genetic group, season and litter size at birth were highly significant on BW and ADGs. Rearing system did not influence the BW but had a significant influence on ADGs at 9–10 and 15–16 weeks age. Sex of bunny significantly influenced the body weight at 16 weeks only. The BW and ADGs during some periods were significantly higher in winter born bunnies. Litter size significantly influenced BW and ADGs at most periods. Overall mean BWs at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks and ADG during 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14 and 15–16 weeks were 551.89 ± 16.84, 684.30 ± 19.68, 856.37 ± 23.33, 1018.79 ± 28.83, 1207.18 ± 31.98 and 1352.84 ± 37.93 and 17.55 ± 1.04, 9.06 ± 0.73, 10.91 ± 0.80, 10.46 ± 0.94, 14.47 ± 0.90 and 10.98 ± 1.0 g, respectively. Heritability estimates and correlations for some of the traits which could be estimated are presented.