Effect of slaughtering age and sex on rabbits obtained from two paternal pure-breeds - productive performances and carcass quality
1995
Paci, G. | Marzoni, M. | Preziuso, G. (Pisa Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Fisiologiche e delle Produzioni Animali) | Campodoni, G. (Florence Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Scienze Zootecniche) | Bacci, P.
A trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of age, sex and genotype on productive performances and data of slaughter of rabbits obtained crossing hybrid does with males of two different pure-breds: Burgundy Fawn and New Zealand White. One hundred and sixty-five growing rabbits, weaned at 31-32 days old and caged in colony, were used in the trial performed during autumn - winter. Individual live weights were recorded weekly and starting from the age of 74 day twenty four rabbits (12 Burgundy Fawn offspring and 12 New Zealand White offspring) were slaughtered weekly. In the Burgundy Fawn offspring the carcass rates were higher than in the NZW ones, mainly due to a lower skin percentage, a higher hind legs incidence and a lower carcasses fatness of the Burgundy Fawn crossbred in respect of the NZW one. Feed conversion efficiency did not differ between rabbits even if it was lower in the Burgundy Fawn offspring than in the NZW ones, at all the tested ages. Age markedly affected the productive performances, the slaughter data and the growth of organs and apparatus. The rabbits we tested seem fit, particularly the Burgundy Fawn offspring, for precocious slaughter or slaughter not over 81 days of age when the live or carcass weight gain need elevate feed intake
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