Growth and Carcass Traits of Burgundy Fawn, Flemish Giant and New Zealand White Rabbits and their Crosses

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of genotypes on the growth and slaughter traits of Burgundy Fawn (BF), Flemish Giant (FG) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits and their crosses. Body weight was recorded from birth to slaughter on the 84th day of life. On the 84thday of life, significantly smaller body weight was recorded in pure bred NZW rabbits (2116 g), while the body weights of purebred FG rabbits (2957 g) were significantly heavier than rabbits with other genotypes. The highest dressing out percentage was obtained for BF rabbits and for BF × FG crosses. It was found that crossing of BF or NZW females with FG males results in a high final body weight and dressing out percentage; therefore, such crossing should be recommended for the production of slaughter rabbits.