EVALUATION OF REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF TWO RABBIT BREEDS IN NIGERIA

This study evaluated the comparative reproductive performance and economic viability of New Zealand White (NZW) and Nigerian Indigenous (NIR) rabbit breeds under the semi-arid conditions of Katsina State, Nigeria. A twelve-month study of 60 does revealed significant breed-environment interactions. New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were more prolific, with higher conception rates (82.4% vs. 76.2%), larger litters (7.8 vs. 6.1 kits), and heavier birth weights.