Pannon breeding program in rabbit at Kaposvàr University

In this study the rabbit breeding program conducted at the Kaposvár University is extensively discussed. Population history and management, creation and of the different synthetic lines, evolution of their selection criteria, estimation of the genetic parameters and selection response are the main described elements. The program (called Pannon rabbit breeding program) is operated with one maternal line and two paternal lines. At present the maternal line is selected for number of kits born alive while the two paternal lines are pre-selected for litter weight (Pannon White) and average daily gain (Pannon terminal line), respectively then they both selected for thigh muscle volume (based on computer tomography measurements). All these traits are evaluated by BLUP methodology. According to the genetic parameter estimations the heritability of the reproductive traits (number of kits born alive and litter weight) were low (0.05-0.17 and 0.08-0.17). Average daily gain and thigh muscle volume were only moderately heritable (0.21-0.27 and 0.19-0.25) while heritability estimates of the carcass traits (dressing out percentage and hind part ratio) were high (0.47-0.48 and 0.59). Computer tomography based traits showed favourable moderately high and high positive genetic correlations with the carcass traits (dressing out percentage: 0.47 and hind part ratio: 0.59). On the contrary an unfavourable high negative correlation was estimated between thigh muscle volume and litter weight (-0.37 -0.70). The selection responses obtained for all analysed traits were within the range published by the relevant literature. The successfulness of the CT based selection for improving meat production was justified by different methods (crossing experiment, divergent selection, estimated genetic trends). Besides the slow increase of the inbreeding level of the Pannon White breed also proves the effectiveness of the circular mating scheme used in all three rabbit breeds of the program.