ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the reproductive performances of purebred rabbits in Umudike, Abia state. Newzeal and White and Chinchilla rabbit does were compared using 10 does and 4 bucks. Parameters considered in the study were percentage conception (%), gestation length, litter size at birth, average litter weight at birth(g), litter size at weaning, average kit weight at weaning(g), mortality(%), average kit weight at 8 weeks and litter size at 8 weeks(g). The data collected were subjected to I-test to determine if there is a difference between the two genotype measured. Result showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the percentage conception (%) (85.70±0.04 and 73.17±1.83), litter size at birth(4.67±1.08 and 7.67±0.03), average litter weight at birth (g) (87.34±20.0 and 39.94±1.62) and Litter size at 8 weeks(4.17±1.01 and 5.33±0.33) for Newzealand White and Chinchilla, respectively. Other traits measured- gestation length, litter size at weaning, average kit weight at weaning (g), mortality (%) and average kit weight at 8 weeks (g) did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) between the genotypes. From the result of the reproductive performance of Newzealand White and Chinchilla, it was concluded that there is genetically variation between the two genotypes and it can be used to improve the traits measured. Newzealand White performed better in terms of percentage conception and average litter weight at birth while Chinchilla performed better in litter size at birth and litter size at 8 weeks.