Abstract
The purpose of the book is to present in one location a comprehensive overview of the progress of genetics in the rabbit, with a modern vision that integrates genomics to obtain a complete picture of the state of the art and of the applications in this species, defined according to the multiple uses and multi-faceted places that this species has in applied and fundamental biology. The 18 chapters cover several fields of genetics and genomics: Chapters 1 and 2 present the rabbit within the evolutionary framework, including the systematics, its domestication and an overview of the genetic resources (breeds and lines) that have been developed after domestication. Chapters 3-5 cover the rabbit genome, cytogenetics and genetic maps and immunogenetics in this species. Chapters 6-8 present the genetics and molecular genetics of coat colours, fibre traits and other morphological traits and defects. Chapters 9-13 cover the genetics of complex traits (disease resistance, growth and meat production traits, reproduction traits), reproduction technologies and genetic improvement in the meat rabbits. Chapters 14-18 present the omics vision, the biotech and biomodelling perspectives and applications of the rabbit. This book is addressed to a broad audience, including students, teachers, researchers, veterinarians and rabbit breeders.