Effect of genotype (Pannon Large and Hungarian Giant) on productive and carcass traits of growing rabbits

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effect of genotype on productive performance and carcass traits of growing rabbits to gather information on the value of Pannon Large and Hungarian Giant rabbits. Pannon Ka does were inseminated with semen of Pannon Large or Hungarian Giant bucks. The crossbred rabbits (PLarge and HGaint; n=336) were weaned at 5 wk of age. Half of them were housed in cages, the other half in pens. Two subgroups were formed based on the feeding method (pelleted diets without or with hay supplementation; Pellet and P+Hay). Only the effect of genotype was evaluated between 5 and 12 wk. Significant differences were found in body weight from 5 wk of age, in favour of PLarge rabbits. It increased from 72 g at 5 wk to 235 g at 12 wk. Weight gain of PLarge rabbits was higher by 2.8 g/d between 5-12 wk (P<0.001) compared to HGiant rabbits. The differences were significant in pellet intake by 15 g/d between 5-12 wk, with higher value in PLarge rabbits. The effect of genotype on feed conversion ratio and mortality was not significant. Dressing out percentage of PLarge rabbits was 1.1-1.3% better than that of HGiant rabbits. Significant differences were found in carcass parts: the ratio of fore part to reference carcass was higher in PLarge group than in HGiant rabbits, and the ratio of hind part to reference carcass was higher in HGiant rabbits than in PLarge group, although no significant difference was found in the mid part of the reference carcass. The ratios of fat deposits were significantly greater in PLarge rabbits than in HGiant animals. It was concluded that Hungarian Giant would be worth rearing as terminal bucks if a higher price were paid to the farmers.