Analysis of variability in reproductive traits and breeding efficiency in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L. 1758) of the Popielno White and Termond White breeds

Abstract

In the study, the variability of reproductive traits (the number of born and weaned young) and the efficiency of breeding work were assessed and estimated in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L. 1758) of the Popielno White and Termond White breeds. Phenotypic trends of reproductive traits were estimated over a period of ten years in farms included in the analysis. The research material included data on the performance of 1836 female rabbits of the Termond White breed and 1237 female rabbits of the Popielno White breed, maintained on reproductive farms over a period of ten years. Analysis of variance for reproductive traits showed that sources of variability (farm, calendar year, and breed) had a statistically significant impact on the number of born and weaned rabbits. The average litter size obtained from female Termond White rabbits ranged from 2.89 to 3.54 within one year. For female Popielno White rabbits, this average was 3.44. The average number of born and weaned kits per litter during the analyzed period was 8.99 and 8.29, respectively. The reproductive results obtained regarding the number of born and weaned rabbits can be considered very good. The phenotypic trend line for the number of born and raised rabbits of the white Popielno breed showed an increasing tendency, while in the case of rabbits of the white Termond breed, it exhibited a decreasing trend. Clear fluctuations in the number of born and raised rabbit kits in the Termond white breed throughout the research period indicate the need to improve the reproductive traits of this breed through intensified selection. In the light of our own research, it can be stated that rabbit breeding in both farms is conducted properly, and the obtained results are satisfactory.