Growth and mortality of SIKA suckling rabbits in Slovenia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate some effects on mortality and growth in rabbits. The study was carried out in Slovenian SIKA sire line. In total, 1028 kits of 80 does were included. In the analyses the effects of parity, number of liveborn kits, number of teats, and season of kits birth were analysed. Birth weight was included in the model for mortality, while age was included in the model for growth. Parity, litter size, teat number and season affected the body weights. Body weight varied also according to age. Mortality has changes by litter size, season and initial weight. An average litter size was 8.77 kits born, 8.15 kits born alive and 7.00 kits weaned. The birth to weaning mortality was 14.4% and mortality has steadily declined with age. Average weight up to age 3 days was 72 g and at weaning 959 g. Kits in smaller litters and kits from does with more teats had a higher growth rate. Also kits grow faster in the colder months.