EFFECT OF GENOTYPE AND NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION ON INDIGENOUS AND ADDAPTED RABBIT PERFORMANCE

T.M. El-Sheikh, T.S.T. Seleem

Abstract
    A total number of 412 mature rabbits of three breeds and a line were used in this study. The experiment was designed to evaluate fertilizing ability and fertility traits using natural mating and artificial insemination. Rabbit does of each breed were divided into two comparable groups (44 in each), does of the first group of each breed were naturally mated to bucks of the same breed, the second group were divided into four sub groups (11 each) and inseminated artificially by using semen of the same breed and three other breeds (cross breeding).Results showed that, fertilizing ability of rabbit bucks such as scrotal circumference; testicular index and mating activity, libido and physical semen characteristics were significantly (P≤0.05) and in descending order as recorded by BB; Gabali; V-Line then NZW rabbit bucks. The highest values of blood plasma oestradiol 17 β and progesterone were obtained from V-Line followed by BB; Gabali then NZW rabbit bucks. Whereas, BB rabbit bucks recorded the highest (P≤0.05) values of blood plasma testosterone than those of Gabali; V-Line then NZW ones.Fertility traits of rabbit does were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by breeds. Fertility traits of rabbit pure breeds does such as ovulation %; conception, kidling, litter size and bunny weight at birth and weaning, pre-weaning mortality rates were significantly (P≤0.05) better for V-Line; BB; Gabali and NZW rabbit does than those obtained by cross breeds in all parameters.

Key words: rabbit genotype, reproduction, Fertilizing abilities, semen characterestics