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Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine
Volume 5(4), pages 107-113, August 2020
Article Number: 693486262
ISSN: 2536-7099
https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2020.210
https://integrityresjournals.org/journal/JASVM
Full Length Research
Reproductive, growth and carcass performance of two
breeds of rabbit and their reciprocal crosses in the
south-south zone of Nigeria
Sam, Idorenyin Meme*, Ekpo, Joseph Sylvester and Evans, Emem Iboro
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Akwa-Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam
Local Government Area, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. Email: sidorenyin@yahoo.com; Tel: +234 08029004857.
Copyright © 2020 Sam et al. This article remains permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received 15th June, 2020; Accepted 13th July, 2020
ABSTRACT: The study was conducted to evaluate reproductive, growth and carcass traits of two breeds of rabbit and
their reciprocal crosses. Two purebred Chinchilla (CHA) and New Zealand White (NZW) and their reciprocal crossing;
CHA sire x NZW dam (CHA x NZW) and NZW sire x CHA dam (NZW X CHA) were used in the study. Four genotypes
“CHA x CHA, NZW x NZW, CHA x NZW and NZW x CHA” were generated to obtain one hundred and twenty-six (126)
kittens. The growth traits studied was body weight (BWT) while reproductive traits studied were gestation length (GL), litter
size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), average birth weight (ABWT), average weaning weight (AWWT) and
percent mortality (% mortality). The carcass traits evaluated were dressed weight, dressing percentage, weights of liver,
heart, lungs, kidney, foreleg, thoracic, loin, hind leg and skin. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance
and significant means were separated using Duncan new multiple range test. The results indicated that genetic group had
significant (p<0.05) influenced on growth, reproductive and carcass traits performances evaluated. The NZW x CHA
genetic group had significantly (p<0.05) heavier body weight than the other three genetic groups CHA x CHA, NZW x
NZW and CHA x NZW in both the pre-weaning and post-weaning phases of growth. Similar trends were observed for
reproductive and some carcass (dress weight, fore leg, thoracic, loin, hind leg and skin) trait performances; the NZW x
CH genetic group was superior to every other group. However, percentage mortality was highest in NZW x NZW
(50.28±5.78) and lowest in NZW x CHA (5.71±8.69). It was concluded that NZW x CHA had the best performance in most
of the traits measured (growth, reproductive and carcass traits) in the study area and therefore using NZW males to cross
with CHA females is recommended in the study area to produce rabbits with better performances in term of reproduction,
growth and carcass.
Keywords: Carcass, genetic group, growth, reproduction, rabbit, reciprocal crosses.
INTRODUCTION
The population growth in developing countries like Nigeria
is rapidly increasing, and the supply of animal protein from
conventional livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, swine
and poultry) had become impossible; thus the need for
alternative source of protein to meet up the protein
requirement of the teaming population. Rabbit production
is a veritable way of alleviating animal protein deficiency in
Nigeria (Obike and Ibe, 2010). This is because rabbit has
immense potentials and good attributes which include high
growth rate, high efficiency in converting forage to meat,
short gestation period, high prolificacy and relatively low
cost of production. In addition, rabbit has very high
nutritional qualities which include low fat and cholesterol
levels. Its protein level is high (about 20.8%) and its
consumption is bereft of cultural and religious biases
(Biobaku and Oguntona, 1997).
108 J. Anim. Sci. Vet. Med.
The production of rabbit meat is based on pure breed
selected for meat traits and on their crosses (Maj et al.,
2009). As production of livestock directly depends on
reproduction, reproductive performance of rabbits
becomes an important aspect in determining profitability
and economic success of commercial rabbits breeding.
Litter size (the number of kits born) is the most important
economic character in rabbit production (Nofal et al., 2005;
Odeyinka et al., 2008). Litter size is mainly controlled by
heredity and can be improved by crossbreeding between
breeds (Nofal et al., 2005). Pre-weaning survival
percentage of kit rabbits is of vital importance in
commercial rabbit farming, where it plays a major role in
determining the net financial income of the farms
(Rashwan and Marai 2000).
Factors such as breed, season, age and weight of
females influence the reproductive performance of animals
(Lazzaroni et al., 2012; Szendro, 2008). Cross breeding is
one of the fast tools offered to a breeder to improve many
traits in farm animals including rabbits (Nofal et al., 2005).
The major essence of deliberate selection for breeding is
to improve the quantitative traits.
Carcass traits are influenced by the adult weight and the
maturity of rabbit at the age of slaughter (Piles et al., 2004).
The production of rabbit meat is based on pure breeds
selected for carcass traits and on their crosses. Selection
for high growth rate in rabbits improves slaughter
performance, but carries a high risk of lowering the quality
of meat (Piles et al., 2004). Nofal et al. (2004) reported that
genetic group had no effect on the majority of the carcass
traits except on slaughter weight. However, Hassanien
and Baiomy (2011) observed that though breed
differences had no significant effect on most carcass trait,
dressing yield of carcass was significantly higher in New
Zealand White than Chinchilla breeds.
Several researches have shown that crossing among
different strains of rabbits had a significant effect on
slaughter weight and carcass traits. Ozimba and Lukefahr
(1990) reported that the New Zealand white were generally
inferior to Chinchilla pure bred and Chinchilla x New
Zealand White cross breed in carcass characteristics. On
the other hand, Ortiz Hernandez and Rubio – Luzano
(2001) found no significant difference in the carcass
composition of New Zealand white and Chinchilla rabbit.
Genetic improvements of animals require a good
understanding of basic concepts of animal breeding (Ibe,
1998). Previous works by Fayeye (2013) revealed
significant heterosis for growth rate and body weight
though at variable values of parental means. Chineke
(2006) reported superiority of the crossbreds over pure
breeds for mean body weight and linear body parameters.
Rochambeau (1988) in a study conducted to compare
pure breed rabbits and the terminal crosses involving
these breeds, observed heteroic effect on litter growth
rate. In similar experiment, Oseni et al. (1999) reported
that crossbred rabbits showed superior performance over
pure breeds in all pre-wearing litter traits studied. These
findings suggested that cross breeding under tropical
condition hold some promise in improving performance
traits in rabbits.
Reciprocal crossing is the crossing between two or more
breeds of animals in which their roles as male or female
are reversed. Reciprocal crossing has been recognized as
another feasible route to the economic exploitation of
different breeds of rabbit (Kabir et al., 2016). There is
paucity of information regarding effect of reciprocal
crossing on reproductive, growth and carcass
performance of rabbit breeds in south-south Nigeria;
majority of the researches conducted concentrated on
direct crossing of two or more breeds. Therefore, this study
was conducted to evaluate reproductive, growth and
carcass performance of two breeds of rabbits and their
reciprocal crosses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experimental site
This experiment was carried out at the Rabbitary Unit,
Teaching and Research Farm, Akwa Ibom State
University, Obio Akpa Campus. Obio Akpa is located
between latitudes 50171N and 50271N and between
longitudes 70271E and 70581E with an annual rainfall
ranging from 3500 to 5000 mm, average monthly
temperature of 250C, and relative humidity between 60 to
90% (Wikipedia, 2017).
Experimental animals and management
The rabbits used in the experiment were purchased from
reputable rabbit farms in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom state,
Nigeria. On arrival, the rabbits were allowed to acclimatize
for two weeks to the environment before commencing the
study. The animals were given ivomectin injection
subcutaneously to treat both external and internal
parasites that may affect their reproductive performance.
They were also treated prophylactically with Amprolium
200 for one week against Coccidiosis given via drinking
water. Multivitamins were also given to the rabbits to boost
them up for the study. Every other care as applicable to
international, national and University guidelines for the
care and used of animals were followed (SAMRC, 2004).
A total of forty (40) adult rabbits (New Zealand White and
Chinchilla) comprising eighteen (18) New Zealand White
does and eighteen (18) Chinchilla does, two (2) New
Zealand White bucks and two (2) Chinchilla bucks were
used. One New Zealand White buck was used to mate with
nine New Zealand White does and the second New
Zealand buck was used to mate with nine Chinchilla does.
While one Chinchilla buck was used to mate with nine
Chinchilla does and the second Chinchilla buck was used
to mate with nine New Zealand White does. At the end of
Sam et al. 109
Table 1. Mating scheme and number of progeny produced.
Genotype
Number of sire
Number of Dam
Number of Progeny
CH X CH
1
9
35
NZW X NZW
1
9
27
CH X NZW
1
9
31
NZW X CH
1
9
33
Note: CH = Chinchilla; NZW = New Zealand White.
breeding period, one hundred and twenty six (126) kits
produced from crosses comprising of NZW x NZW, CHA x
CHA, NZW x CHA and CHA x NZW (Table 1) were
produced. The rabbits were kept in 4 hutches each
measuring 170 cm by 32 cm and consisting of 10 cells,
each of which measured 34 cm x 30 cm x 28 cm such that
one rabbit was accommodated in one cell. Identification
marks such as tags were placed on the cell in which each
rabbit was accommodated.
All the rabbits in their respective cells were fed with
forages such as Ipomea batata, Centrosema spp, Peuraria
phaseoloides and commercial concentrates feed was also
given with drinking water ad-libitum. The diet fed to the
animals consisted of 18% CP, 2600 Kcal/kgME, and 8%
CF as analyzed. Routine management operations were
carried out on a daily basis. Pregnancy was detected by
careful abdominal palpation on 14th and 21st days after
mating, if confirmed pregnant, nest boxes were provided
on 28th day of pregnancy.
Data collection
Measurement of reproductive and growth
performance
Gestation length: This was measured by finding the
interval between the date of last mating and date of
kindling.
Litter size at birth: This was measured by direct counting
of the kits immediately after kindling with still birth
inclusive.
Litter size at weaning: This was the number of weaner’s
(young rabbits) in each litter at weaning time (6 weeks).
Birth weight: This was measured by transferring all the
kits in a litter with gloved hands well rubbed on the body of
the doe in question to the weighing scale. And the weight
of the litter read off and divided by the total number of kits
in the litter.
Body weight at weaning: This was measured by taking
the weight of each kit in a litter at weaning time (6 weeks).
Weekly body weight: This was measured by weighing
each kit in a litter on weekly basis for a period of twelve
weeks using a measuring scale.
Measurement of carcass traits
The carcass evaluation was based on the method
according to Larzul and de Rochambeau (2004). Five
rabbits per genetic group (25 in all) were randomly
selected and starved for twelve hours prior to slaughtering.
The rabbits were killed by striking a hard, quick blow on
the skull using one hand (to render the rabbit unconscious)
before cutting the jugular vein to allow for free flow of
blood. The head was later removed. The next step was to
cut the fur around the hock joints of the hind shank to
enhance proper skinning. After skinning evisceration took
place by making a sharp clean incision down the abdomen,
with care to ensure that the internal visceral were not
punctured. Then the visceral organs were pulled out
leaving the liver, kidneys and heart in place. Dressing
percentage was calculated as the ratio of dressing weight
to live weight. The eviscerated carcasses were weighed
and divided into the following primal cuts.
Fore shank (including thoracic insertion muscle),
thoracic cage (including first seven ribs without the
insertion muscles of the forelegs), hind leg (including the
sacral bone and the lumbar vertebrate after the 6th lumber
vertebra) and internal organs (liver, heart, lung and kidney)
weights were taken individually and calculated as % of live
weight. The weights of the skin were also recorded.
Sensitive weighing balance (S. Miller Digital Scientific
Scale) was used in weighing the carcass parts. All
reproductive and growth traits measurements were carried
out early in the morning (6.00 am) before feeding.
Statistical analysis
The effect of sire breed and dam breed on reproduction,
growth performance and carcass traits (gestation length,
litter size at birth, birth weight, litter size at weaning, body
weight at weaning, weekly body weight and carcass parts)
were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the
General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 (2008).
Significant means were separated using New Duncan
Multiple Range Test. The model incorporated genetic
110 J. Anim. Sci. Vet. Med.
Table 2. Means (± s.e) Body weight (g) performance of 2 breeds of rabbit and their crosses.
Age (weeks)
CHA × CHA (g)
NZW × NZW (g)
CHA × NZW (g)
NZW × CHA (g)
1
84.62 ± 5.33c
133.30 ± 3.39 b
111.75 ± 1.285c
145.23 ± 4.39a
2
127.83 ±7.09c
182.61 ± 4.18b
146.160 ± 2.96c
201.08 ± 3.85a
3
190.12 ±10.77c
267.77 ± 11.16b
188.20 ± 2.94c
315.48 ±15.11a
4
326.59 ±14.91c
397.53 ± 9.09b
266.60 ± 6.08c
468.09±13.87a
5
364.57 ± 16.77c
445.88 ± 8.57b
335.76 ± 6.06c
522.26 ±12.82a
6
418.78 ± 16.57c
492.88 ± 7.554b
394.04 ± 8.07c
594.55±12.18a
7
515.61±13.37b
536.75±12.84b
444.96 ± 7.60c
654.86 ± 13.89a
8
560.00±13.03b
590.25±11.54b
478.80 ± 9.63c
727.34 ± 1 8.77a
9
636.03±10.00b
642.35±10.32b
501.00 ± 10.07c
816.23 ± 15.01a
10
713.41±12.93b
698.24±13.42b
560.63 ± 10.00c
939.72 ± 17.27a
11
755.61±13.71b
780.56±14.52b
585 ± 11.98c
1100.82 ± 18.16a
12
877.40 ±46.09b
843.40 ± 63.09b
615.20±36.64c
1210.00 ± 74.43a
Mean
464.21 ± 73.93ab
500.94±65.61ab
385.67±50.50b
641.30±97.47a
Mean with different superscripts in the same row are significantly different (p˂0.05), CH = Chinchilla; NZW = New Zealand White.
groups as fixed factors while reproduction, growth
performance and carcass traits (gestation length, litter size
at birth, birth weight, litter size at weaning, body weight at
weaning, weekly body weight and carcass parts) were
dependent variables. The linear model was as follows:
Yij = µ + Bi + Eij
Where: Yij = measurement on traits, µ = population mean,
Bi = effect of ith genetic groups (CHA x CHA, NZW x NZW,
NZW x CHA, and CHA x NZW) and Eij = random error
effect (Kaps and Lamberson, 2004).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Production traits
The mean weekly body weights of kits from the four
genetic groups are presented in Table 2. The result
showed that NZW X CHA genotype had significantly
(p<0.05) higher weight (145.23 g) followed by NZW X NZW
(133.30 g) and CHA X NZW (111.75 g) which were
statistically similar; while CHA X CHA had the least weight
(84.62 g) at the end of week one. At week two, NZW X
CHA still showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight
(201.08±3.85 g) than other genetic groups. CHA X CHA
and CHA X NZW which were statistically similar and had
significantly (p< 0.05) lower body weight (127.83±7.09 and
146.160±2.96 g, respectively) than NZW X NZW
(182.61±4.18 g). This trend was observed throughout the
pre-weaning period of 6 weeks. The post weaning phase
of growth still indicated that NZW X CHA genetic group
was significantly (p<0.05) superior in body weight to other
genetic groups studied. CHA X CHA and NZW X NZW
were statistically similar and significantly (p<0.05) higher
than CHA X NZW. The overall means of body weight in the
four genetic groups were estimated at end of the
experiment using the values of weeks 1 to 12 as replicates
(Table 2). The results indicated that CHA X CHA, NZW X
NZW and NZW X CHA (464.21±73.97, 500.94±65.61,
641.30±97.47 g respectively) were statistically similar and
significantly (p<0.05) superior to CHA X NZW
(385.67±50.50 g). However, NZW X CHA still showed
higher performance numerically, indicating that this
genetic group is best suited in the study area.
The result obtained from this study are similar to those
reported by Ologbose et al. (2018) and Oke et al. (2010)
who all observed significant differences in body weight of
different breeds of rabbits. But the results of this study on
body weight performance is contrary to the reports of
Ozimba and Lukefahr (1991) who observed no significant
differences for growth traits of different breeds of rabbit in
a comparative study. The animals increased in body size
and other body dimensions as they grew in age indicating
that, the animals were in normal physiological and health
conditions. Ologbose et al. (2018) had earlier indicated
that the genotype and environmental factors such as
nutrition, disease, and general management could lead to
variation in growth rate or weight gain of rabbit within the
same breed or among different breeds. However, variation
in body weight in this study could be as a result of genetic
variation in the various genotypes used. Body weight is
said to be highly heritable (Ologbose et al., 2018) and
hence, the selection of heavier individuals in a population
should result in genetic improvement of the trait.
Reproduction traits
The means of the reproductive traits of the four genetic
groups of rabbit are presented in Table 3. The results
indicate that there were no significant (p>0.05) differences
among the genetic groups in litter size at birth (LSB). The
Sam et al. 111
Table 3. Means (± s.e) of reproductive traits of 2 breeds of rabbit and their crosses.
Age
CHA × CHA
NZW × NZW
CHA × NZW
NZW × CHA
LSB(g)
5.83 ± 0.98
5.50 ± 0.34
4.50 ± 0.67
5.17 ± 0.67
LSW(g)
4.30 ± 0. 89b
2.67 ± 0.21 b
4.00 ± 0.52b
4.95 ± 0.54a
ABWT(g)
32 .55 ± 0.02b
35 50 ± 0.01b
33. 05 ± 0.01b
37.00 ± 0.03a
GL(days)
31.67 ± 1.14a
31.37 ± 0.67a
30.50 ± 0.56b
28.33 ± 0.67a
AWWT(g)
418.78 ± 16.56b
532.88 ± 7.56b
394.04 ± 8.07b
594.55 ±12.18a
% MORT
25.10 ± 3.87b
50.28 ± 5.78a
8.87 ± 4.05c
5.71 ± 8.69c
Mean with different superscripts in the same row are significantly different (p˂0.05), LSB = Litter size at birth, LSW=litter size at weaning,
ABWT= average birth weight, AWWT= average weaning weight, CH = Chinchilla; NZW = New Zealand White.
result of this study is contrary to reports of Fadare and
Fatoba (2018) who observed significant differences
between genetic groups in litter size between Califonia
white, New Zealand white, Havana black and Palomina
brown in Akoko South West Local Government Area of
Ondo state, Nigeria. However, it agrees with the work of
MaryKutty and Nandakumar (2000) who reported non-
significant effect of breed on litter size and litter weight at
births among New Zealand White, Grey Giant and Soviet
Chinchilla under humid tropics of Kerala, India.
Significant (p˂0.05) differences were observed among
genetic groups in litter size at weaning (LSW); ZW X CHA
crosses had significantly (p<0.05) higher litter size at
weaning (4.95±0.54) than other genotypes which were
similar statistically. The average birth weight (ABWT) also
followed the same trend as litter size at weaning. The kits
from NZW X CHA crosses had significantly (p<0.05)
heavier body weight at birth, while other genotypes were
similar. Litter size at weaning is considered to be the best
trait to use as selection criteria for improving reproductive
performance (Moustafa et al., 2014; Fadare and Fatoba
(2018). This is because the productivity of rabbit depends
primarily on the number of young kits surviving the pre-
weaning stage. The ability of the doe to produce thrifty
young at birth and to raise this young to weaning
determines her productivity (Sorensen et al., 2001). Thus,
to maintain efficiency in rabbit production, high litter size at
weaning is necessary. The report from this study is in line
with the reports of Fadare and Fatoba (2018) who
observed that litter size and litter weight at weaning were
affected by breed.
The best gestation length (shortest) of 28.33±0.67 days
was recorded for NZW X CHA crosses which was
significantly (p˂0.05) different from other genotypes which
were statistically similar (31.67±1.14, 31.37±0.67 and
30.50±0.56 days) for CHA X CHA, NZW X NZW and CHA
X NZW, respectively. Variations in gestation length of
rabbit due to differences in breed had earlier been reported
by Apori et al. (2015).
The result (Table 3) indicated that there were significant
(p˂0.05) differences between the genetic groups in
percentage mortality. It was observed that NZW X NZW
genetic group had the highest percentage mortality
(50.28±5.78%) followed by CHA X CHA genetic group
(25.10±3.87%); the crosses CHA X NZW and NZW X CHA
genetic groups had similar (p>0.05) percentage mortality,
8.87±4.05 and 5.71±8.69%, respectively. The high
percentage mortality observed in NZW X NZW genetic
group could be attributed to poor mothering ability, which
could have resulted from inability of the does to produce
sufficient fur in the nesting boxes for the naked kits at birth.
It may also be attributed to tropical environmental
condition which may not favour the genotype. Earlier
reports by Topczewska et al. (2013) and Fadare and
Fatoba (2018) indicated variation between rabbit breeds in
percentage mortality. The results also indicate better
survivability of the crossbred than the purebreds. This may
be attributed to good mothering ability of Chinchilla does
to their kits, and maybe they were able to acclimatize to
the experimental site a little better than other genetic
groups used.
Carcass traits
The results of carcass performance according to genetic
group (CHA X CHA, NZW X NZW, CHA X NZW and NZW
X CHA) are presented in Table 4. The results indicate that
mean values obtained for dressing percentage, liver,
heart, lungs and kidney were not significantly different
(p>0.05) and were within normal ranged expected of
normally reared rabbits (Ekpo et al., 2016). Dressing
weight was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by genetic
groups. The NZW X CHA genetic group had higher
dressed weight (636.40±3.93 g) than other genetic groups.
It was followed by NZW X NZW (447.00±2.19 g) which was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than CHA X CHA and CHA X
NZW (379.20±41.98 and 301.20±0.17g) which were
statistically (p>0.05) similar. The foreleg, thoracic, loin,
hind leg and skin were equally influenced by genotype.
NZW X CHA genotype recorded significantly (p<0.05)
higher values of these parts than the other genetic groups.
Various authors had earlier reported significant differences
between rabbit breeds and cross breeding combinations of
different origin for carcass traits (Ouyed and Brun, 2008;
Bawa et al., 2009; Kabir et al., 2016). The variation
observed in the present study with respect to live
bodyweight, dress weight, foreleg, thoracic, loin, hind leg
112 J. Anim. Sci. Vet. Med.
Table 4. Means (± s.e) of carcass traits of 2 breeds of rabbit and their crosses.
Parameters
Genotypes
CHA X CHA
NZW X NZW
CHA X NZW
NZW X CHA
BWT(g)
877.40 ± 46.09b
843.40 ± 63.09b
615.20 ± 36.64c
1210.00 ± 74.43a
Dress weight(g)
379.20 ± 41.98c
447.00 ± 2.19b
301.20 ± 3.17c
636.40 ± 3.93a
Dressing %
43.66 ± 3.07
52.53 ± 2.19
49.15 ± 5.39
51.96 ± 3.93
Liver(g)
2.63 ± 0.13
3.20 ± 0.26
3.02 ± 0.17
2.23 ± 0.21
Heart(g)
0.39 ± 0.05
0.35 ± 0.24
0.35 ± 0.23
0.34 ± 0.20
Lung(g)
0.64 ± 0.04
0.94 ± 0.08
1.00 ± 0.12
0.64 ± 0.12
Kidney(g)
0.97 ± 0.04
0.98 ± 0.06
0.81 ± 0.07
0.67 ± 0.06
Foreleg(g)
29.80 ± 3.35b
29.80 ± 3.10b
24.80 ± 2.08b
39.40 ± 1.07a
Thoracic(g)
57.00 ± 5.32b
63.00 ± 5.48b
49.80 ± 4.38b
115.00 ± 10.48a
Loin(g)
89.40 ± 16.46b
97.00 ± 15.70b
62.20 ± 4.16b
110.00 ±7.58a
Hind leg(g)
67.20 ± 7.95b
75.00 ± 4.42a
55.20 ± 3.54b
77.00 ± 3.39a
Skin(g)
77.60 ± 6.14b
74.00 ± 7.31b
67.40 ± 37.42b
97.60 ± 1.86a
Row means under the same factor with different superscripts differs significantly (p˂0.05), CH = Chinchilla; NZW = New Zealand White.
and skin with NZW X CHA being significantly better than
other genetic group is at variance with the reports of Oke
et al. (2010) and Kabir et al. (2016) who observed higher
mean values for live body weight and carcass weight in the
CHA X NZW crossbreed. This could be attributed to
environmental conditions of the different locations in which
the studies were carried out. The non – significant
differences observed for weights of liver, heart, lungs and
kidney among the genetic group is in line with the reports
of Kabir et al. (2016). However, it has been stated earlier
by Kabir et al. (2012) that values of carcass traits are
difficult to be compared objectively with reports in literature
because of differences in pre-slaughter weights, breeds,
methods of slaughter and evaluations as well as the
statistical model used.
Conclusion
NZW X CHA had a significantly higher performance in
body weight at all phases of growth (pre-weaning and post-
weaning). Reproductive parameter measured (LSB, LSW,
ABW, GL, AWWT, % mortality) as well as carcass traits
also indicated that NZW X CHA genetic group was
significantly superior to others. Therefore, the NZW x CHA
genotype is best suited in the south-south zone of Nigeria
and is recommended for rearing by farmers to help in
mitigating the problem of animal protein deficiency of
individuals in the study area.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
Authors have declared that no conflicting interests exist.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors acknowledge the supports of the Head and
Staff of Animal Science Department, Akwa Ibom State
University for providing the facilities used in this study. The
authors also appreciate the Head of Farm Services for his
co-operation and support.
REFERENCES
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