A six-year investigation on reproductive performance of hybrid rabbits. 1. Pregnancy rate and numerical productivity at weaning as affected by season

Abstract

With the aim to clarify the effect of seasonal variation on reproductive performance of hybrid rabbits, a six-years investigation was carried out. Traits analysed were pregnancy rate of does and numerical productivity at weaning. The data set included: 33588 matings and subsequent pregnancy diagnosis; 245743 young rabbits at weaning. From the statistical analysis, pregnancy rate and numerical productivity at weaning appeared to be significantly (P<0.001) affected by seasonal variation. Furthermore a statistically significant (P<0.001) month influence was also found. Nevertheless a correlation between the two parameters needs to be performed to supplement our analysis.