Comparative assessment of growth, haematology and serum-biochemicals in different breeds of matured rabbits

A sixteen (16) weeks study was carried out in rabbit unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma on the effect of breed on body weight, body linear measurements, haematology, serum-biochemicals and hormones of male rabbits. Fifty-four (54) matured male rabbits were allotted into three groups of eighteen (18) each of Chinchilla (CHIN), New Zealand White (NZW) and New Zealand Red (NZR) breeds and were grouped into a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Traits measured were body weight (BW), linear body measurements such as body length, breast girth (BG), height at withers (HT), head to shoulder length (HSL), ear length (EL), ear width (EW) and tail length (TL), blood parameters and hormones. The results of this study demonstrated differences in body weight and body length of rabbits in the study population with Chinchilla (2.26 kg and 34.92 cm), New Zealand White (2.21 kg and 35.08 cm) and New Zealand Red (2.20 kg and 34.42 cm). Haematological indices showed significant differences (p<0.05) among breeds where Mean Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were higher in Chinchilla breed of rabbit followed by New Zealand White and New Zealand Red. The mean values of total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acids, urea, glucose and phosphorus significantly differed (p<0.05) among breeds with New Zealand Red having higher values followed by Chinchilla and New Zealand White breeds. The results indicate that morphometric traits play a crucial role in selecting rabbits for genetic improvement and predicting market live weight. Also, haematology, serum-biochemical and hormones data were comparable to those described in rabbits and could be used in the classification of rabbits into genetic groups and which could be utilized in crossbreeding programmes to produce crossbreds that are highly productive and adapted to the environment.