Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

Year: 2005
Volume: 4
Issue: 9
Page No. 775 - 784

The Relationships among Body Weights and Linear Dimensions in Rabbit Breeds and Crosses

Authors : C.A. Chineke

Abstract: A breeding experiment was conducted to assess the relationships among body weights and linear body measurements in rabbit breeds and crosses. Data on 259 and 215 kits from 73 and 62 litters at 35 and 56 weaning and post- weaning ages respectively were used in the study. The litters representing 8 genotypes evolved from random mating involving 49 does and 13 bucks. The traits measured were body Weights (BWT ), Nose to Shoulder Length ( NTS ), Shoulder to Tail Length ( STL ), Trunk Length ( TKL ), heart girth ( HGT), height at withers ( HTW ) and length of ear. Measurements of the body components for each genotype were regressed against live weight at 35 and 56 days of age using linear and non-linear (exponential and polynomial) regression analyses. The relationship between live weight and each of the measurement were also assessed. The regression equations, estimates of parameters and coefficients of determination ( R ) for the fitted functions were determined. Body measurements and weight were generally positive and significant (p < 0.001) demonstrating strong inter-relationship among the variables. The coefficient of determination varied from 5.27 to 90.3 and from 0.090 to 90.6 at 35 and 56 days respectively. Based on R , polynomial function was superior in terms of goodness of fit to the data and its ability to predict. Body weight was better predicted using STL of genotype NZWDBD x NZWDBD at both ages.

How to cite this article:

C.A. Chineke , 2005. The Relationships among Body Weights and Linear Dimensions in Rabbit Breeds and Crosses . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 775-784.

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