Influence of breed on postweaning litter growth and litter feed efficiency of meat rabbits

The major factors influencing post-weaning litter growth and litter feed efficiency were analyzed with the General Linear Model(GLM) using 909 meat rabbits,from 173 litters representing 5 breeds(New Zealand White,Californian,Flemish Giant,Chinchilla,and Fujian Yellow).Breed and number weaned per litter had a significant effect on litter weaning weight at 5 weeks,litter weight gain,litter market weight at 10 weeks,average market weight,litter feed intake,and litter feed efficiency(P0.01).Month of birth had a significant(P0.01) difference on litter feed intake and on litter weaning weight and litter market weight(P0.05).Litter weaning weight,litter weight gain,litter market weight and average market weight were heavier and litter feed intake was higher in Flemish Giant litters than in other breed litters(P0.05).However,the five traits mentioned above were lower in Fujian Yellow litters than in other breed litters.The overall linear covariate of litter size at weaning was related positively to litter weaning weight,litter feed intake,litter weight gain,litter feed efficiency and market weight at 10 weeks and regressions were significantly different(P0.01).The main effects of breed,number weaned per litter and month of birth were important sources of variation for post-weaning litter traits and litter feed efficiency.The results provide evidence in support of using Flemish Giant as a terminal sire breed.