Indian Journal of Small Ruminants (The)
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2017
  • Volume: 23
  • Issue: 1

Performance of New Zealand white rabbits in subtropical climate of Sikkim

1ICAR-Indian veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Uttar Pradesh

2ICAR- National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad-500 092, Telangana

3Dupty Director-General (Animal sciences), ICAR, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-110 001

4ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Haryana

Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR- Research complex for NEH Region, Tadong, Gangtog-737 102, Sikkim

*E-mail address: drchandraicar@yahoo.co.in

Online published on 9 March, 2017.

Abstract

The performance of New Zealand White rabbits was studied in the subtropical climatic conditions of Sikkim, India. Data from 96 litters collected over 5 years (1999–2003) were analyzed to find out the effect of non-genetic factors on growth and reproductive performance. Effects of year, parity, season on litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning, individual weight at 42, 90 and 120 days were studied. Year, season and parity had no significant effect on litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning. Sex also did not show any significant effect on body weight of male and female rabbits at 42, 90 and 120 days of age. However, the season had significant (P<0.05) effect on 90 and 120 days of body weight.

Keywords

Body weight, Litter, Parity, Rabbit, Season