Abstract

Rojan P.M., K.A. Bindu and T.V. Raja

A complete 3 x 3 diallel cross was performed involving White Giant (WG), Soviet Chinchilla (SC) and Grey Giant (GG) breeds of rabbits at the University rabbit farm under the Centre for Advanced Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala, India to study the growth performance of rabbits with respect to different genetic and non-genetic factors. Growth records of F1 progeny were taken at fortnightly interval from four to twelfth weeks of age. The results revealed that among purebreds, the highest post-weaning body weights at fourth, sixth, tenth and twelfth week were recorded in White Giant (WG). Among crossbreds, progenies of WG male crossed to GG female (WGxGG) recorded the highest post-weaning weight from fourth to twelfth week. Season of birth had an influence on fourth and sixth week body weights.