Effect of Crossbreeding and Mating System on Slaughter Performance and Meat Quality in Three Breed Diallel Crosses of Rabbits

Abstract

Sixty five rabbits, representing three breeds (New Zealand White, Californian and Baladi) and their crosses, were used to determine the influence of purebred us. crossbred as well as mating system on slaughter performance, carcass traits and meat quality. The New Zealand White male and fernale lines were the heaviest in slaughter weight and carcass traits. The crossbred rabbits had heavier slaughter weight (1.99 kg), middle part weight (244.54 & and head weight (108.87g) as compared to purebred rabbits (1.91 kg, 221.50g iOO.63 g respectively) and the differences were highly significant. Crude protein and ether extract were of the same order in all classes. Moisture and ash were significantly affected by male rabbit line, while female line had only a significant effect on ash percentage. The purebred us. crossbred rabbits had only significant effect on ash percentage. Highly significant phenotypic correlations were found between different carcass traits. There were no phenotypic correlations between chemical composition of meat and their c a m s components and even among different chemical components of meat except a negative and highly significant phenotypic correlation between moisture and ash percentage (-0.454).