Evaluation of post weaning morphometric traits among four breeds of rabbits in humid tropics

Abstract

Adelodun Opeyemi Fadare

Growth is usually defined as increase in size of body weight at a given age.One of the main objectives in rabbit breeding is to increase post-weaning growth which highly determines subsequent performances in rabbits. The growth performance of ninety-six (96) rabbits which include California white, Palomino brown, New Zealand white and Havana black was monitored from weaning (4 weeks ) to 12 weeks.Data obtained from the measurements was analysed using SAS 2010.New Zealand white had the highest body weight(1320.59 ±20.04g) followed by California and Palomino brown while Havana black had the least weight record (991.65 ± 15.06g). The highest body length mean of 32.00 ±0.41cm was recorded for Californian while Havana black had the least value.New Zealand white also had the widest girth (27.25±0.75cm) followed by Californian, Palomino brown and Havana black. All the breeds studied had almost the same mean value for head lengthat week 12. The effect of sex was significant onbody weight,body length, ear lengthand head lengthat 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age. It was observed that male had slightly higher values in body weight,body length and ear length thanfemales. Sexeffect was not significant (p >0.05) on the heart girth of the rabbits at any age. Female rabbits have higher values of head length than their male counterparts at age 8 and 12 weeks.New Zealand white had better growth performance compared with Californian, Palomino brown and Havana blackin a humid tropical environment.