Reproductive performance of Local, F1 (New Zealand × Local) and New Zealand rabbits in Thua Thien Hue

Abstract

Thirty does were random mated with New Zealand bucks over two reproductive cycles to determine their reproductive performance. These does were raised and cared for under the same conditions. The results show that first-estrus age, first-mating age, age at first-birth age, litter size at 24 hours after birth, weight at birth, litter size at weaning, weight at weaning and weight again of young rabbits depend on the doe source (p < 0.05). The litter size at birth, 24 hours after birth, and at weaning,, weight at birth, and survival rate at weaning of young rabbits also depend on the reproductive cycles of does (p < 0.05). Age at first birth, litter size at birth, weight at birth, litter size at weaning, weight at weaning and survival rate at weaning of baby rabbits were are 184.3–208.6 days of age, 5.9–6.8 rabbits/litter, 46.3–56.3 g/rabbit, 5.6–6.6 rabbit/litter, 398.5–506.6 g/rabbit and 97.0–97.8%, respectively. Hybrid rabbits (New Zealand × Local) are suitable for household farming in Thua Thien Hue.