Variation in Growth and Linear Body Measurements of Rabbits Due to Generation Differences, Housing Systems, Sex and Season

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of generational differences, housing systems, sex and seasonal variations and their interactions on the growth and linear body parameters of rabbits. A total of ninety-six (96) weaner rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand White crossbred) were used for this study and were divided into forty-eight (48) per generation. These forty-eight weaner rabbits were further divided into four males in three replicates (12) as well as four females in three replicates (12) for cage (24) and also repeated in deep litter system (24). This experiment was carried out in four seasons with seasonal divisions being made according to the climatic conditions prevalent in southwest Nigeria namely early dry season (EDS) from September to November, late dry season (LDS) from December to February, early rainy season (ERS) from March to May and late rainy season (LRS) from June to August. This experiment was carried out for two generations and data obtained were analysed using Analysis of Variance in a 2 x 2 x 2 x 4 factorial arrangement. The study showed that most of the body linear measurements investigated increased significantly in the first than the second generation and during the ERS and LRS than the EDS and LDS; a significantly higher body weight was recorded in LDS. The linear body measurements and body weight were significantly higher in the cage than the deep litter system in the first generation while animal reared in cage were significantly lower than deep litter system in second generation with respect to these characters. Sex showed no significant effect (p>0.05) on the linear body measurements. Production of rabbits during the early dry season is recommended for breeding purpose and the use of the cage system for enhanced slaughter results and carcass quality. Deep litter system is recommended for profit maximization.