ABSTRACT
This project was carried out to determine the Estimate of Heritability of Growth Rate in Rabbits" which endeavors to interpret the genetic basis governing the growth performance of rabbits, an important trait in the context of animal agriculture. The experiment was carried out at the rabbitry section of the University of Benin Farm Project, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of twenty rabbits (fifteen females and five males), of which five belong to one breed, were used for this experiment. The breeds used were New Zealand White, Chinchilla, Hyla and Dutch. The rabbits, which were 3 months of age, were kept for a duration of 18 weeks. Data collected were on Litter size at Birth, at two weeks and at weaning, Litter weight at Birth, at two weeks and at weaning were collected. encompassing a diverse population of rabbits, we aimed to quantify the heritability of growth rates, thereby discerning the relative influence of genetic factors. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using GENSTAT, 12th edition and Heritability estimate was obtained by first Solving for variance components (due to sire, due to standard error and phenotype) using the result obtained from the analysis. The result of the quantitative genetic components of litter size and growth rate were extensively analyzed, yielding noteworthy insights. Heritability estimates for litter size at birth and two weeks revealed substantial values (0.64 and 0.74, respectively), demonstrating significant genetic influence. Litter size at weaning exhibited a heritability estimate of 0.57, further emphasizing the genetic component in this trait. In contrast, the heritability estimate for weight gain, particularly litter weight at birth, two weeks, and weaning, ranged from 0.02 to 0.37, indicating a comparatively lower genetic influence. The study shows that for litter size at birth and two weeks, there are high heritability estimates, suggesting that a significant portion of the variability in these traits can be attributed to genetic factors. This implies that selective breeding based on these traits could be effective in improving them. On the other hand, the heritability estimates for weight gain are lower, indicating that genetic factors play a relatively smaller role in determining this trait. This research contributes valuable insights for breeding and for efficient and sustainable rabbit farming practices.
