DOI: 10.5176/2382-5685_VETSCI13.11
Authors: Karu. Pasupathi, M. Sakthivel, D. Balasubramanyam, M. Babu and P. Kumarasamy
Abstract:
The study was conducted to predict the body weight of domestic rabbits (New Zealand White breed) using linear body measurements. The linear traits measured were nose to shoulder length (NSL), shoulder to tail length (STL), heart girth (HG), height at withers (HW), trunk length (TKL) and length of ear (EL) along with body weights at different ages of production viz., 7-day, 30-day, 60-day, 90-day and 120-day. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were carried out and coefficient of determination (R2) was obtained for all the traits. Ear length showed no significant association with body weight. The prediction equations were obtained and assessed based on the R2 values. Using these models, the approximate weight of the rabbits can be obtained. The prediction of body weight based on the linear body measurements will be immensely helpful to the farmers and entrepreneurs in selection and improving the flock and profitable rabbit farming.
Keywords: rabbit, biometry, regression, body weight, prediction equation
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