Comparison of ten rabbit lines of terminal bucks for growth, feed efficiency and carcass traits

Abstract

Ten lines of rabbits differing by their growth pattern were compared based on their crossbred offspring performances. Paternal stocks were chosen from heavy and light lines from commercial or experimental populations. Offspring were measured on their daily gain, their feed efficiency and their carcass composition at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age. It was evident that the growth pattern was transmitted to the offspring: animals sired from heavy lines were consistently heavier. The consequence on feed efficiency was as clear as for growth pattern: the offspring from heavy line bucks had a lower feed conversion ratio than those from light line bucks. Also, the same pattern was observed for adiposity. No pattern could be found for the muscle/bone ratio. © INRA, EDP Sciences, 2005.