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Genetical Crossbreeding Effect on the Zootechnical Performances of the Domestic Rabbit (Algeria) x Californian



Author(s)

Mefti Korteby Hakima, Kaidi Rachid, Sid Sihem, Boukhelifa Ahmed, Derradji Billel, Kenchache Youcef and Mareche Hachemi

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DOI:10.17265/1934-7391/2013.02.010

The carried out experimental work aimed at the improvement of the native rabbit zootechnical performances. The goal was to run a genetical progress of an exotic breed “the Californian” through a crossbreeding with a native rabbit. Ten females have been crossed with two native males (L × C) compared to controls Native × Native (N × N) and Californian × Californian (C × C). The reproduction and growth performances are clearly improved by crossbreeding effect, the recorded heterosis are:

Ÿ   9.43%, 16.34% and 21.93%, respectively for the alive litter size, alive and weaned;

Ÿ   10%, 16.75% and 2.57%, respectively for the alive litter weight, alive and weaned;

Ÿ   2.57% for the individual weight at birth;

Ÿ   10% and 7% for post weaning performances, respectively day mean gains and feed conversion ratio.

Weight at slaughter is improved with 167 g, which representing a considerable level for the native population. Genetic crossbreeding between the Algerian native rabbit and the Californian, raised under rearing conditions of theBlidauniversity farm experiment showed its efficiency on the most zootechnical performances. The complementary effect turned up positively on the crossbred rabbits. Their post-weaning growth performance is comparable to those of the Californian with a better viability at weaning and slaughtering age.

Rabbit, performance, crossbreeding, heterosis.