Some observations on reproductive performance of rabbits obtained in semi-humid tropical conditions in Nigeria

Abstract

Successful matings (139) of 7 bucks and 51 does were used to study the reproductive performance, during a four-years period, of rabbits crossbred comprising New Zealand White, Chinchilla, Dutch Black and Califomian but whose exact genetic mate-up is unknown. Mean litter size at birth and at weaning were 4.49 ± 0.15 and 3.18 ± 0.18 respectively. Gestation length ranged from 28 to 36 days with a mean of 31.80 ± 0.11 days. Mean pre­weaning litter mortality was 27.9 ± 3.1 %. There was no significant effect of buck on all traits studied. However, litter size at birth and gestation length were significantly (P<0.05) affected by year of kindling.