EFFECT OF BREED AND BREEDING SYSTEM ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS IN A HUMID TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT Data were collected from 36 does and 116 kits recorded in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment in CRD over a period of 12 weeks from artificial insemination and natural mating of 18 Newzealand white and 18 chinchilla does respectively to investigate the effect of breed and breeding system on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Analysis of data showed that breed had no significant effect (p>0.05) on most of reproductive traits measured. The statistical similarity (p>0.05) between both strains of rabbits may be attributed to indiscriminate breeding of rabbits and lack of pure breed. Percent conception was significantly (p<0.05) highest when natural mating was practiced, however, all other reproductive traits were non-significant (p>0.05). Breeding system had a significant effect on average kit weight when artificial insemination was practiced, while other post-partum litter traits were not significant (p>0.05). Chinchilla and Newzealand white may be selected for breeding and improvement. However, natural mating which produced significant (p<0.05) higher percent conception rate 79.9% relative to 56.4% produced by artificial insemination should be practiced. Artificial insemination may not be encouraged on both breeds of rabbits except when interest is on average kit weight at weaning.