Reproductive efficiency of female German Angora Rabbits under Indian sub-temperate climatic conditions

Abstract

[EN] The influence of season, parity, age and weight of doe at service on the reproductive efficiency of female German Angora rabbits has been studied. Nulliparous German Angora rabbits of 4 - 5 months of age were imported from Germany in August, 1997 and reared under standard management practices. They subjected to an extensive breeding system (re-mating after weaning). The kits were weaned 42 days after kindling. The data from the reproduction records of 149 does, consisting of 398 matings and 238 kindlings during a period of five years, (1998 to 2002) were analyzed. The parameters considered were fertility rate, litter size at birth (LSB), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter size at weaning (LSW), gestation length and sex ratio. The overall fertility percentage, LSB, LWB (g), LSW (g), gestation length (d) and sex ratio percentage were 61.18, 4.89, 253.88, 4.44, 31.95 and 53.94, respectively. The season of the year had a significant (P#0.05) effect on LSB, LWB, LSW and gestation length, with higher values of LSB, LWB and LSW in spring. The fertility rate was significantly higher (P#0.05) for the females of 1 to 2 years of age. Spring appears to be the most favorable season for efficient reproduction of German Angora rabbits under the sub-temperate climatic conditions found in India.