Carcass and meat characteristics of three genetic groups of rabbits.

Carcass and meat characteristics of thirty four rabbits, representing three genetic groups 'White Giant' 'Soviet Chinchilla' and 'Black Brown') were determined to study the effect of breed on carcass yield and meat quality traits. The average dressed carcass ranged from 40.44 to 54.38% of live weight. Carcass yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 'Soviet Chinchilla' breed. The proportions of carcass in forequarter, loin and hind quarter differed little among the breeds. The significant difference in drip loss % may be attributed to the variation in fat deposition in the carcasses of three breeds. The meat of 'Soviet Chinchilla' was significantly tougher as indicated by shear force value measurement. However, proximate composition did not vary much in the three genetic groups.