Genetic Analysis of Reproductive Traits in German Angora Rabbits under Sub-Temperate Climatic Conditions

This study aimed to investigate the effect of non-genetic factors on reproductive traits of pedigreed German Angora rabbits reared at North Temperate Regional Station (ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute), Garsa (Himachal Pradesh). Kindling records of 1347 does, born to 154 sires and 300 dams over last 25 years (1998 to 2022) were analyzed using least-squares analysis of variance. Heritability and correlation parameters were estimated using full-sib correlation method. The least-squares means for litter size at birth (LSB), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at weaning (LWW) and gestation period (GP) were 5.07±0.13, 266.53±6.28 g, 4.59±0.13, 3069.21±92.31 g and 32.57±0.09 days, respectively. Period and season of kindling were significant (P<0.05) on all reproductive traits except GP, while parity of does was significant (P<0.05) on LSB only. Spring was the most favorable season for efficient reproduction of German Angora rabbits as compared to winter season. The estimates of heritability were low (0.15±0.08) to moderate (0.22±0.08) for the reproductive traits. Positive and high genetic and phenotypic correlations between litter size and litter weight at birth and weaning were also observed. The low to moderate estimates of heritability observed in the studied reproductive traits implies that these traits could potentially suggestive of slow improvement through selective breeding. The present findings suggested that proper nutrition and managemental practices must be provided to does before kindling to achieve optimum weight for productive does.