Genetic and Non Genetic Factors Influencing Rabbit Production

Much alike, rabbit meat production is influenced by genetic diversity and non-genetic factors. Therefore, it is assumed that understanding the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors determine the economic efficiency of rabbit meat enterprises. Inappropriate environment may impact adversely on the expression of the genetic potential of individual kits. In this regard, the genetic by environment interaction should be considered as a crucial element when pursuing greater efficiency in rabbit production. While genetics is a major determinant in rabbit performance, environmental, nutritional and management practices also play significant roles in influencing productivity. There are several non-genetic factors which influence rabbits’ performance which include feeding practices, weaning methods, parity order, sex of kits, weaning age, general management, etc. Therefore, rabbit producers’ attention to both genetics and non-genetic factors is likely to improve rabbit production performance indicators at enterprise level. The purpose of this book is to discuss the influence of genetic and some non-genetic factors (nutrition, weaning age, litter size; birth weight; parity, etc)