Abstract of research

STUDIES ON SOME FACTORS AFFECTING DOE, BUCK AND LITTER PERFORMANCE IN WHITE NEW ZEALAND RABBIT UNDER EGYPTIAN CONDITION

Mahmoud E.A.A

Abstract

This study was carried out on 50 adult doe rabbits and 8 adult bucks of White New Zealand breed with their progeny and extended for about 3 years to study some factors affecting doe, buck and litter performance. Obtained results showed that the birth weight was inversely related to the litter size. Litter size was not significantly affected by the doe weight while the birth weight was significantly affected by the doe’s weight being higher in doe’s body weight ranged from 2.5-3 kg compared to the other two groups (3-3.5 & 3.5-4kg); in all cases males were higher in body weight than females. Litter size increased gradually as parity increased reaching its peak at the 3rd parity then decreased thereafter. Gestation period was not significantly affected by the litter size. Litter size was higher in autumn followed by winter, spring then summer. The highest conception rate was achieved in autumn followed by winter and spring, while the lowest ratio was at the summer time. Birth weight was higher in winter than summer. Does with a body weight ranged from 2.5-3 kg were increased significantly after birth while does with a body weight 3-3.5 kg were increased insignificantly, while does' body weight 3.5-4kg were decreased insignificantly after parturition. No courtship behaviour was observed during first mating as all sexually active males 92.5% from tested males were directed immediately toward the female and tried to mount. Different items of courtship behaviours were observed during the subsequent mating, these items included chin rubbing (chinning) 70.27%, enuresis 32.43%, genital sniffing 40.54%, and ear sniffing 27.2%. After mating the males showed the post-mating behaviours which included backward falling 75.68%, sideway falling 24.32%, hind leg striking 75.68%, and cry 56.76%, when males were permitted to mate freely with receptive females, 92.5% of males performed 1st and 2nd mating but only 62.5% of males performed 3rd mating while 56% exhibited 4th mating, 22.5% showed 5th mating, 17.5% exhibited 6th mating,12.5% was observed to mate till 7th mating, 7.5% were sexually active till 8th mating, while only one male (2.5%) exhibited 9th and 10th mating. No male from the tested group mate the same female more than 10 mating. High litter size and conception rate were obtained when mating occurred at morning or evening by using first ejaculates from two males.