Effect of breed, sex, season and litter size on growth performance of meat Rabbits

Data on 313 litters of meat rabbits born during 2019-2021 were used to study the effect (Californian White, New Zealand White, Grey Giant, Flemish Giant and Soviet Chinchilla) of sex, season and litter size on body weights during pre- (4 weeks of age) and post-weaning (16 weeks of age) periods. The overall mean body weights at 4 and 16 weeks of age were 367.38±3.02 and 1784.26±11.12 g, respectively. Breed exerted significant (P<0.05) influence on body weights recorded at different stages during pre and post weaning. The effect of sex was limited to 2 and 4 weeks of age during pre-weaning period. Body weights at 2 and 4 weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) higher in males (176.99±1.84 and 372.49±3.90g) compared to females (170.22±1.93 and 362.01±4.61g). Season and litter size at birth significantly (P<0.05) influenced the body weight gain during both the stages, kits born in small litter and during winter season, were heavier in body weights as compared to other litter size and season. The overall mean litter size at birth and weaning was 5.67±0.10 and 3.76±0.09, respectively. It was concluded that winter season seems to be more congenial for kits to grow and gain more body weights. Kits born in small litter gain more body weights during both pre- and post-weaning periods.