Genetic response to selection for reproductive performance in a maternal line of rabbits

Abstract

An evaluation of genetic response on reproductive traits was carried out in a line of rabbits selected for litter size at weaning. The evaluation was performed comparing contemporary does of generation 17 and 26, using cryopreservation techniques. The direct response to selection between both generations was 0.77±0.27 rabbits weaned/litter and there were favorable correlated responses in total litter size at birth and born alive. There was a non-significant response in prenatal traits, but the litter size results imply response probably in foetal survival. The genetic trends were also estimated using mixed model methodology and were higher than the previous ones. Therefore, the repeatability animal model and the genetic parameters used are unsuitable. Models taking into account effects such as dominance need to be investigated.