Effects of inbreeding on growth and slaughter trails of rabbits

Abstract

Data from 1,512 Californian and 1,370 New Zealand White rabbits were analyzed by least squares procedures to study the effect of inbreeding of individuals, a covariate in the mathematical model, on body weights from weaning to slaughter and dressing percentage. Both linear and quadratic regression coefficients of inbreeding of rabbits were important for weights at several ages. Inbreeding of rabbits did not affect their performances at weaning and 5 weeks of age, but had an important effect on body weights measured from 6 to 11 weeks of age, with increases of performance from F=0 up to F=10% and reductions after that level. The effect of inbreeding was small on the weights observed at slaughter, and the trend was of reduction of weights when F increased. The same trend was observed for dressing percentage.