J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1983. 57:1090-1099.
© 1983 American Society of Animal Science
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Doe Reproduction and Preweaning Litter Performance of Straightbred and Crossbred Rabbits1

Steven Lukefahr2,3,, W. D. Hohenboken3, P. R. Cheeke3,4 and N. M. Patton5

Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331

4 To whom reprint requests should be addressed.

Abstract

Reproductive characters (N = 430 matings) of four doe genetic groups and preweaning performance of litters (N = 280) were evaluated in a 15-mo study. Doe genetic groups were New Zealand White (NN) and Californian (CC) straightbreds and Californian x New Zealand White (CN) and New Zealand White x Californian (NC) crossbreds. Does and litters were provided either a commercial control or a 74% alfalfa pelleted diet. Sires of litters included NN, CC and Flemish Giant (FG) straightbred bucks. The linear and quadratic regression on age of dam affected (P<.01) litter birth weight. The NN does were heavier than CC does at first breeding at 154 d and produced heavier litters at birth and weaning (all P<.01). Percentage survival of kits from birth to weaning and doe and preweaning litter feed intake and efficiency were greater from NN than CC does (all P<.01). Numbers born and reared/litter to weaning at 28 d were likewise greater for NN vs CC straightbred does. Heterosis estimated from comparing litters of reciprocal crossbred vs straightbred does was significant for number born, litter birth and weaning weights and doe and preweaning litter feed intake. Reciprocal crossbred differences were observed (P<.05) for doe breeding weight, number born and weaned per litter, litter birth and weaning weights and doe and preweaning litter feed intake, favoring CN does reared by NN straightbred dams over NC does. Diet, in consistent favor of the 74% alfalfa diet, significantly affected all traits studied with the exception of doe longevity, doe fertility percentage, and doe and litter feed efficiency. Percentage survival at birth was 15% lower in litters sired by NN compared with CC bucks (P<.05). Fertility was higher (P<.05) for does mated to FG vs CC or NN bucks. Also, litters sired by FG bucks vs the average of NN and CC bucks had a higher survival percentage at birth and heavier litter birth weights (P<.05) and tended to have heavier weaning weights. Repeatabilities (t) of doe production were moderate (.16 < t < .33) for number born and weaned, litter birth weight, percentages kit survival at birth and to weaning and doe and preweaning litter feed intake.

Footnotes

1 Technical Paper No. 6609, Oregon Agr. Exp. Sta. and USDA Small Farms Project.

2 Current address: Small Livestock Advisor, Heifer Project, Int., Bamenda Station, NW Province, Cameroon, W. Africa.

3 Dept. of Anim. Sci.

5 Lab. Anim. Resources.






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Copyright © 1983 by the American Society of Animal Science.