A crossbreeding experiment was carried out involving Gabali (G) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits to estimate direct heterosis (FP) and direct (GI) and maternal (Wi) additive effects on some litter traits and postweaning growth. Data on litter traits of 314 litters (litter size and weight at birth and weaning. milk yield at 21 days and total milk yield) and body weight (at 4, 6, 8. 10 and 12 weeks of age) of 1300 weaned rabbits were analyzed using a linear mixed model. G1 did not significantly affect most litter traits and postweaning growth. G-sired liners had similar direct additive effects compared to NZW-sired litters and consequently G bucks could be used as sires in crossbreeding stratification systems under hot climatic conditions. Crossbred litters (or rabbits) obtained from mating G bucks with NZW does were generally associated with slight superiority compared to those litters (or rabbits) obtained from the reverse mating. The estimates of Gm for litter size and weight at birth were significantly in favour of G-rabbits. while breed maternity for litter traits measured after kindling was significantly in favour of NZW breed. After weaning. growth traits were not significantly affected by Gm. Crossing of G rabbits with NZW was associated with significant positive estimates of Hr for litter size and weight at birth and weaning. Slight negative estimates of ir were observed For milk yield at 21 days and total milk yield. However, insignificant negative estimates of H' were recorded for post-wcaning growth traits. |
