Effect of stocking density on growth performance, some blood parameters and carcass traits in purebred Californian and crossbred rabbits

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this study was to study the effect of stocking density in two genetic groups of rabbits (purebred Californian (CAL × CAL) and Californian × Rex (CAL × RX) crossbred rabbits) on growth performance, some blood hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters and carcass traits. Materials and methods: A total of 120 weaned rabbits were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (two genetic groups; 60 of each CAL × CAL and CAL × RX and three stocking densities; 8, 12 and 20 rabbits/m2; the number of rabbits under each stocking density was 24, 36 and 60; respectively) and 6 replicates. Results: The effects of genetic group × stocking density interactions were significant (P [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(3.000): 265-274]

Keywords

• Californian; Carcass; Crossbred; Purebred; Total protein