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ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN ONGOLE AND PUNGANUR CATTLE BREEDS THROUGH MICROSATELLITE TYPING(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2013-04) ASHA, UPPUTURI; Sakunthala Devi, K(MAJOR); Rajkumar, U; Harikrishna, ChABSTRACT: Twenty dinucleotide microsatellite markers viz ETHOLO, ILSTSOOS, TGLA122, INRA035, INRA063, HEL001, TGLA 126, INRAOOS, ILSTS006, INRA032, ETH225, CSRM060, BMI 824, TGLA053, INRAO37, ETHO03, TGLA227, MM012, HAUT024 and HAUT027 were used for Assessment of genetic diversity in Ongole and Punganur cattle breeds through Microsatellite typing. The mean quantity of DNA was 2.96 pdml in Ongole and 3.16 pg/ml in Punganur cattle. Mean optical absorbance ratio (2601280nm) was 1.78 in both Ongole and Punganur cattle indicating good quality of genomic DNA. Out of the total 216 alleles detected, 98 alleles were specific to Ongole and 75 alleles were specific to Punganur. Mean number of alleles obtained at each locus varied from 1 to 12 in Ongole and 1 to 13 in Punganur cattle. The overall mean effective number of alleles was found to be 4.09 in Ongole and 3.41 in Punganur cattle. The overall mean expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity were 0.65 and 0.33 in Ongole and 0.55 and 0.3 1 in Punganur breed, respectively. The overall mean PIC values observed were 0.62 and 0.53 in Ongole and Punganur breeds respectively. The mean inbreeding coefficient (Fls) obtained in the present study was 0.456 for Ongole and 0.434 in Punganur breed. F-statistics revealed moderate inbreeding within the breeds and existence of moderate relationship between the Ongole and Punganur cattle. In Ongole population, loci ETHO10, TGLA122, INRA035, INRA063, HEL001, ILSTS006, TGLA126, ETH225, CSRM60, TGLA053, INRA037, ETH003, MM012, HAUT027 and HAUT024 were deviated significantly from the equilibrium frequency (I'c0.01). In Punganur breed, except the locus TGLA126, ETH225 and CSRMO60, all other loci deviated significantly (Ps0.01) from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS ON PRE WEANING TRAITS OF DESl PIGS AND THEIR CROSSES WITH LWY(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 1997-10) VENKATA LAKSHMAIAH, P; VIROJI RAO, S.T(MAJOR); CHENDRA REDDY, V.R; KRISHNA REDDY, KThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN CROSSBRED PIGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-07) PANDU RANGA REDDY, P; PUNYA KUMARI, B(MAJOR); GNANA PRAKASH, M; SURESH, JABSTRACT: Data on 1662 pigs belonging to 50 and 75% Large White Yorkshire (LWY)-desi crossbreds maintained at All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigs, Tirupati born during 2005 to 2010 were utilizd to study the influenct of genetic and non-gcnctic factors on reproductive traits, litter traits, body weights, body measurements and avcrage daily gains. Prediction equations were developed to cstirnatc body weights based on body meanmments. Genetic parameters were estimated for various traits. The overall least squares means for AFS, AFF, FL GP and SP were 329.05 * 2.90, 440.42 * 2.80, 171.15 ~t 2.97, 111.28 zt 0.26 and 283.87 * 3.00 days respectively. The effects of pcriod and stason only were significant on reproductive baits. The overall kast quarts mean LSB, LSW and LWB and LWW were 7.59 * 0.17, 6.94 0.16 piglets and 8.40 + 0.18 and 66.92 * 1.42 kg, respectively. The effects of pcriod and parity were significant (Pg.O1) on majority of the litter traits. The overall least squares mcan body weights were 1.13 * 0.02, 2.13 It 0.01, 3.19 * 0.02, 4.29 * 0.02, 5.41 It 0.03, 6.48 0.03, 7.55 * 0.04, 8.72 * 0.05 and 9.97 * 0.06 kg at birth, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 wks of age, respectively. Genetic group, period, parity and litter size pup affected all pre weaning body weights highly significantly except for the non-significant effect of stason on body weight at birth. Scxual dimorphism in favour of males was evident from 1 to 6 weeks of age. Body weights of piglets born in rainy and winter seasons and those from smaller litters recorded significantly higher body weights. The overall least squares means for BL, HW. HG and PG varied from 22.68 to 50.58, 16.91 to 36.65, 23.27 to 47.43, 19.03 to 42.19 cm from bid to 8 weeks of age. The effect of litter size group was significant on all the biomctrical measurements at various ages. Season also influenced body measurements at birth, 2 and 8 weeks of age significantly where as at other ages it influmced one (or) more traits but not all. Parity e f f i was significant on all the body measurements at 4 and 6 weeks of age. Sexual dimorphism was evident on all the body measurements at birth only. Significant effect of genetic group was observed only on heart girth and paunch girth at birth and 2 woeks of age, respectively. The overall least squares mean ADG during 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8 and birth to 8 weeks wm 0.150 + 0.001, 0.160 f 0.001, 0.150 * 0.002, 0.170 * 0.002 and 0.160 * 0.001 kg, respectively. Pigs from smaller litters recorded significantly higher ADGs. Heritability of gestation period in 75% LWY group was 0.08 * 0.38 while that of litter traits ranged hm 0.14 + 0.35 to 0.32 + 0.48 among the genetic groups. Heritability estimates varied from 0.19 + 0.09 to 0.97 * 0.22 for body weights and from 0.13 * 0.08 to 0.80 f 0.17 for ADGs. Heritability estimates among body measurements were medium to high. The genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among gestation period and litter traits ranged hm -0.76 to 029, -0.24 to 0.01 and -0.22 to 0.35, while those among litter baits wm all positive and high. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among body weights were positive and medium to high. Phenotypic comlations among body weights were all positive. Comlations among ADGs were very low without any consistent trend. Phenotypic correlations among body measurements ranged from - 0.0 1 to 0.9 1 and among body weights and measurements, it ranged from -0.03 to 0.86. Prediction equations were developed to predict body weight at birth 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age based on cOrnSponding measurements on each genetic group. The R~ values varied from 69.1 to 81.7 percent among the genetic groups. Multiple regression equations developed at 2 and 8 weeks of age were found to be most efficient of all.ThesisItem Open Access CYTOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MAHABUBNAGAR GOATS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-07) UMA DEVI, P; Ramesh Gupta, P(MAJOR); Sakunthala Devi, K; Dhana Lakshmi, KABSTRACT : The research was carried out on Mahabubnagar (34) and non-descript goats (13) for cytogenetic characterization by the short term lymphocyte culture technique. A total of 1050 metaphase spreads were examined for the chromosome count and morphology and for Mahabubnagar goats 170 karyotypes and for non-descript animals 75 karyotypes of were prepared. The diploid chromosome number in all the goats was found to be 2n = 60, XY in males and 2n = 60, XX in females. All the autosomes were acrocentric in morphology. The X-chromosome was the longest acrocentric, while the Y-chromosome was smallest and dot-like in appearance in majority of the karyotypes examined. In few metaphase spreads, it was submetacentric in appearance. The data on relative length were converted into angles using arcsin transformation for conducting the least squares analysis. The variation in relative length of the chromosomes was not significant between animals in Mahabubnagar goats, while it was significant for the autosomes 1 to 11 and 19 to 29 in non-descript goats. The effect of genetic group, sex of the animal, coat color and presence or absence of horns, beard and wattles on relative length of the chromosomes was found to be non-significant. The overall least squares mean relative length of autosomes, X- and Y-chromosomes varied from 2.029 to 4.825 percent, 5.164 and 1.961 percent respectively. Among the genetic groups, sexes, coat colours and presence or absence of horns, beard and wattles the least squares means for relative length ranged from 1.975 to 4.937, 1.922 to 4.828, 2.041 to 5.065, 1.982 to 4.856, 1.985 to 4.915 and 1.950 to 5.042 percent, respectively for autosomes and for the X-chromosome ranged from 5.010 to 5.320, 5.147 to 5.181, 4.984 to 5.405, 5.105 to 5.224, 5.104 to 5.224 and 4.944 to 5.388 percent, respectively. The contribution of Y-chromosome to the total genome was 0.457 and 0.509 percent in Mahabubnagar and non-descript goats, respectively. The Y-chromosome overall mean arm ratio, centromeric index and morphological indices were 1.68, 39.22 percent and 214.00, respectively, confirming its submetacentric morphology. In the present investigation with 42 metaphase spreads, a total of 213 NORs were detected in Mahabubnagar goats. The mean number of NORs per metaphase was 5.071, which ranged from 4.72 to 6.17, where as the number of NORs per metaphase ranged from 1 to 13. The highest frequency (P<0.05) of metaphases (21.43%) examined had one NOR, while the lowest frequency (2.38%) had 9 or 11 NORs. The outcome of the present study have revealed that the morphology, number and various morphometric measurements of the chromosomes of the Mahabubnagar goats were analogous to those reported in literature for descript breeds of goats in India like Bengal, Pashmina, Gaddi and local goats like Kanni Adu of Tamil Nadu and local goats of Rohilkhand region. Therefore, the Mahabubnagar goats may be recognized as a distinct breed of Andhra Pradesh State.ThesisItem Open Access CYTOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PUNGANUR CATTLE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-07) BHARATHI, GUTTI; SAKARAM, D(MAJOR); RAMESH GUPTA, B; RAGHUNANDAN, TABSTRACT : The blood samples of total 30 animals consisting each sex of 15 animals of Punganur and 5 ND animals(2M+3F) were cultured through short term lymphocyte method and 1000 metaphases of these animals were analyzed for morphology and different morphometric aspects for characterization. The diploid chromosome number consisting of 60 (2n=60, XY) was found in both the cattle. All the autosomes were acrocentric. X-chromosome was sub-metacentric while the Y- was found smallest acrocentric. The morphometry revealed that mean relative lengths of autosomes varied from 5.34 to 1.87 percent in Punganur and 5.10 to 1.97 percent in ND. The X-chromosome contributed 4.81 and 4.57 percent in Punganur and ND, while the Y-chromosome accounted 1.69 and 1.93 percent in Punganur and ND to Genome. The means for arm ratio, centromeric index and morphological index of the X- chromosome were 1.55± 0.17, 0.40±0.05 and 5.12±0.46 in Punganur and 1.55±0.05, 0.40±0.01 and 5.30±0.29 in ND respectively. Analysis of variance based on the transformed relative lengths revealed significant differences among the genetic groups with respect to the relative lengths of chromosomes 10, 26, 27, 28, 29, and Y-chromosome. The relative lengths of all chromosome except 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 28, 29 and X-chromosome showed differences among sexes in Punganur cattle. The sex wise analysis of variance in ND cattle revealed no significant difference among the sexes for all chromosomes except 29 pair of autosome. The NOR-banding revealed that on average 5 chromosomes in the complement showed the NOR regions most of them present on telomeres and some of them are in ends of the long arms. Even though the location and distribution of these regions varies among breeds of cattle, the NOR pertaining to this breed were located on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 28.ThesisItem Open Access CYTOGENETIC STUDIES ON ONGOLE BREED OF CATTLE(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-07) BHARATI, ALOK; GNANA PRAKASH, M(MAJOR); SAKARAM, D; NARASIMHA REDDY, YABSTRACT: A cytogcnctic study was conducted on 38 Ongole cattle maintained at Livestock Research Station, Lam. Ciuntur and nearby villages by utilizing shortterm lymphocyte culture technique. The normal diploid chromoso~nen umber was 60 which consisted of 29 pairs of acrocentric autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. The X-chromoson~e was sub-mctnccntric and Y clirolnosome \vils acrocentric. The ~norphometric measurements of clir.o~nosorncs obtained li.0111 farm bred aninials and those from ficld animals clid not diffr signific:lntly. l'he relative lengths (RL) of chrornoso~ncs I, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 15, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and X clwomosome were significantly different anlong the sexes. The RL of autosolnes ranged from 1.92 + 0.01 to 5.24 * 0.02 per cent. The Xchromosome was the longest while Y-chi-ornosome was the shortest and contributed 5.42 + 0.03 and 1.79 + 0.02 per cent to the genome. The decline in the RL of the chromosomes was sha1-p lio~lI ~to 3 and was gradual thercaficr. The arm ratio, ccnt~x~meriicn dex and moi.phological intlcv fbr thc X-chromosome were 1.87 + 0.015, 0.35 * 0.002 ant1 5.75 + 0.075, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION TRAITS OF JAPANESE QUAILS POPULATION UNDER SELECTION FOR HIGH FOUR-WEEK BODY WEIGHT(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-10) MALARMATHI, M; RAMESH GUPTA, B(MAJOR); GNANA PRAKASH, M; RAJASHEKAR REDDY, AABSTRACT : The present study was carried out on Black, Brown and Black random bred strains of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), under selection for high 4-week body weight, maintained at Poultry Experimental Station (PES), College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Effects of hatch, strains and sex on body weight, average daily gain (ADG), age at first egg (AFE), egg production (EP) and biochemical parameters were studied. The overall least-squares means for body weights at day-old, 2nd and 4th week of age were 7.94, 59.20 and 141.64 g, respectively. Hatches had significant effect on body weight up to 10 weeks of age. Strain had significant effect on body weights from day-old to 14 weeks of age. The females were significantly heavier than the males from second to 14th week of age. The overall least-squares means ADGs during 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-14 weeks of age were 3.66, 5.89, 3.69, 2.72, 1.51 and 0.46 g, respectively. Hatches had significant effect on ADGs at all the ages studied. The ADGs of Black Japanese quails were significantly higher than those of Brown and Black random bred Japanese quails at all the ages. The females had significantly higher ADGs than males up to 10 weeks of age. The overall least-squares mean AFE was 57.80 days. Age at first egg was significantly influenced by strain and also by hatch. Black random bred control strain birds matured earlier than the Black and Brown strains. The overall mean number of eggs produced up to 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks of age was 6.75, 15.71, 24.01, 34.04 and 44.86, respectively. Hatch had significant influence on egg production up to 14 weeks of age, but not beyond. The Black random bred strain was significantly produce more eggs at all the weeks excluding 8th week than the Black and Brown strain. The overall least-squares means for plasma protein, cholesterol and triglycerides in Black Japanese quails was found as 4.10 g/dl, 150.72 mg/dl and 90.66 mg/dl, respectively. Hatches had significant (P<0.05) effect on plasma cholesterol, but not on others and sex effect was significant on plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. The heritability estimates for the body weights varied from low to high in Black, medium to high in Brown and low to medium magnitude in Black random bred, while these estimates for ADGs were low or moderate to high in magnitude and ranged from 0.09 to 0.56 in black, 0.37 to 0.94 in Brown and 0.15 to 0.86 in Black random bred male Japanese quails. The heritability of AFE was low (0.16) in Black random bred and high (0.69) in Black strain. The heritability estimates for egg production ranged from 0.09 to 0.43 in Black, 0.18 to 0.81 in Brown and 0.02 to 0.54 in Black random bred strain. Heritability estimate was high for (0.90) plasma cholesterol, low for (0.12) plasma protein and low for (0.10) plasma triglycerides. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations for body weight at various ages varied from low to high in magnitude. Genetic correlations were positive in direction, while the phenotypic and environmental correlations were both positive and negative in direction. The genetic correlations among ADGs in Black, Brown strains and Black random bred ranged from -0.89 to 0.92, -0.86 to 0.90 and -0.05 to 0.78, respectively, whereas, the phenotypic correlations varied from -0.74 to 0.31. AFE was correlated positively with body weight at various ages at genetic level in Black strain. Genetic correlations of egg production with body weight at various ages were negative in all three strains. While, the estimates among the EP at various ages had highly positive genetic relations and phenotypic correlations of BW with EP and among EP was low but positive. The genetic correlation of plasma biochemical parameters with body weight at various ages and among the biochemical parameters ranged from -0.96 to 0.48 and 0.13 to 0.24, respectively. The phenotypic correlations plasma biochemical parameters with body varied from -0.20 to 0.13. The expected response to selection in body weight at 4-weeks age in Black, Brown and Black random bred male Japanese quails were 3.62, 6.06 and 6.91g, respectively and the corresponding response in females were 1.11, 2.13 and 12.79 g. Among the fourteen selection indices (I1 to I14) constructed based on the data generated in the present study, I14 consisting of BW4, BW6, AFE, EP10 and EP12 was found to be the best with RIH value (0.92) and δH (4.73) in Black Japanese quails. In the present study, the selection programme for high 4-week body weight yielded satisfactory improvements in body weights and ADGs of selected strains. The traits studied had the heritabilities and correlations ranging from low to high traits indicating the scope for their further genetic improvement by selection coupled with optimum management. The selection indices constructed revealed the possibility of improving the body weights, AFE and EP simultaneously.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CROSSBRED PIGS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2008-10) SAI PRASANNA, J; GNANA PRAKASH, M(MAJOR); RAMESH GUPTA, B; MAHENDER, M; SRINIVASA RAO, DABSTRACT : Data on 2,909 pigs belonging to 50 and 75% Large White Yorkshire (LWY)-desi crossbreds maintained at All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigs, Tirupati and born during 2000 to 2008 were utilized for the present study. Genetic group had no significant effect on gestation period and litter traits while period and season of birth had significant effect except the non-significant effect of season on litter weight at birth. The overall least-squares means for gestation period, litter size at birth (LSB) and weaning and litter weight at birth and weaning were 111.49 ± 0.34 days, 6.78 ± 0.11 and 6.22 ± 0.11 piglets and 7.53 ± 0.12 and 60.77 ± 1.00 kg, respectively. Rainy season was found to be the favorable season of birth for litter size and weight at weaning. Genetic group, period and season of birth and LSB in general, affected all the body weights highly significantly. The overall least-squares mean body weights were 1.11 ± 0.01, 2.16 ± 0.01, 3.20 ± 0.02, 4.32 ± 0.02, 5.44 ± 0.03, 6.52 ± 0.04, 7.65 ± 0.04, 8.79 ± 0.05, 10.13 ± 0.06, 14.40 ± 0.13, 20.38 ± 0.22, 27.41 ± 0.41, 34.68 ± 0.47, 44.08 ± 0.53 and 52.37 ± 0.56 kg at birth, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32 weeks age, respectively. The overall least squares mean ADGs during 0 and 1, 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 4 and 5, 5 and 6, 6 and 7, 7 and 8, 8 and 12, 12 and 16, 16 and 20, 20 and 24, 24 and 28, 28 and 32, birth and 8 and 8 and 32 weeks were 0.149 ± 0.002, 0.148 ± 0.002, 0.158 ± 0.002, 0.161 ± 0.002, 0.154 ± 0.002, 0.161 ± 0.002, 0.165 ± 0.003, 0.191 ± 0.003, 0.14 ± 0.003, 0.20 ± 0.004, 0.23 ± 0.01, 0.23 ± 0.01, 0.26 ± 0.01, 0.27 ± 0.01, 0.161 ± 0.001 and 0.26 ± 0.004 kg, respectively. In general, 75% LWY has recorded higher body weights and ADGs. Body weights and ADGs of piglets born in rainy and winter seasons were higher during pre- and post weaning ages, respectively. Pigs from smaller litters had significantly higher body weights and ADGs than those from larger litters. Heritability of gestation period in 75% LWY group was 0.08 ± 0.29. Heritability for litter traits ranged from 0.30 ± 0.30 to 0.87 ± 0.31in 50% and 75% LWYcrossbred pigs. Heritabilities for pre-weaning body weights varied from 0.53 ± 0.11 to 0.96 ± 0.15 and those of post weaning body weights were beyond normal range. Heritabilities of ADGs varied from 0.07 ± 0.15 to 0.90 ± 0.27. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlations ranged of gestation period with litter traits ranged from -0.49 ± 0.31 to -0.05 ± 0.85, -0.18 ± 0.07 to -0.04 ± 0.07 and -0.15 to 0.18 while those among litter traits were all positive and high. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights were mostly positive and medium to high. Phenotypic correlation of BW0 with all the post weaning body weights were negative and low in magnitude in 50% LWY genetic group. Correlations among average daily gains were very low and without any trend. In conclusion, the effects of genetic group, period and season of birth and litter size at birth were significant on litter size and weight at weaning, body weights and daily gains. Heritabilities for body weights and daily gains were moderate to high with positive correlations among body weights and among ADGs indicating a substantial scope for genetic improvement by selection with optimum management.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC STUDIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN BROILER RABBIT BREEDS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2007-10) ANITHA, K; GNANA PRAKASH, M(MAJOR); RAMESH GUPTA, B; RAJASHEKAR REDDY, AABSTRACT : The present study was conducted on New Zealand White (NZW), Grey Giant (GG), Soviet Chinchilla (SC), Flemish Giant (FG), Californian White (CW) purebreds and two synthetics - APAU Fawn (FN) and APAU Black (BL) bunnies born during November 2006 and July 2007 in the “Rabbit Production for Meat” scheme, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science, Hyderabad. Bunnies were reared under cage and deep litter system. The overall least-squares mean litter size at birth and weaning and litter weight at birth and weaning were 6.18 ± 0.28 and 3.75 ± 0.23 bunnies and 305.16 ± 13.75 and 1190.93 ± 56.92 g, respectively. Winter proved to be the favorable season of birth for litter traits. The overall least-squares mean body weights were 50.00 ± 0.59, 104.52 ± 1.89, 175.10 ± 3.28, 239.50 ± 6.11 and 354.07 ± 9.19 g at birth, 1 2, 3 and 4 weeks age, respectively. In general, BL bunnies and those born in rainy season recorded significantly higher pre-weaning body weights. Mean body weights from birth to 3 weeks of age declined as the LSB increased. The overall mean body weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 551.89 ± 16.84, 684.30 ± 19.68, 856.37 ± 23.33, 1018.79 ± 28.83, 1207.18 ± 31.98 and 1352.84 ± 37.93 g, respectively. The FG rabbits have recorded significantly higher weights up to 8 weeks age. Post weaning body weights of bunnies born in winter were higher. The litter size classes 1-3 and 4-6 recorded higher body weights. The overall least square mean ADGs during 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-16 weeks were 17.55 ± 1.04, 9.06 ± 0.73, 10.91 ± 0.80, 10.46 ± 0.94, 14.47 ± 0.90 and 10.98 ± 1.0 g, respectively. Genetic group, rearing system and season had significant influence. The overall least-squares mean lactation milk yield was 1116.21± 98.28 g. Does kindled during February and those with a LWB of >250 g. recorded significantly higher milk yield. The mean daily milk yield ranged from 61.2 ± 2.1 to 73.3 ± 2.1. The effect of genetic group and season of birth was significant on feed intake and feed efficiency but not on weight gain. The overall least-squares means for pre-slaughter weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, forecut, midcut, hindcut, head and feet, pelt, edible offals, inedible offals and length of caecum were 1451.14 ± 63.04 g, 695.33 ± 39.18 g, 46.69 ± 0.86, 245.73 ± 12.14 g, 174.41 ± 12.95 g, 275.19 ± 14.81 g, 193.79 ± 6.33 g, 141.11 ± 8.93 g, 57.44 ± 2.81g, 303.19 ± 11.47 g and 43.38 ± 0.85 cm, respectively. Length of caecum was significantly lower in CW rabbits. Most carcass traits studied were significantly higher in males and in those born in winter season. Rearing system had a significant influence on the length of caecum only. The overall least-squares means for dry matter, total ash, protein, fat and cholesterol in rabbit meat were 24.3%, 1.3%, 20.3 g%, 4.1% and 0.1mg%, respectively. Heritability estimates for litter traits were beyond the normal range. Heritability estimates of the pre and post weaning body weights, post weaning ADGs and carcass traits that could be computed varied from 0.11 ± 0.69 to 0.98 ± 1.94. The genetic and phenotypic correlations ranged from -0.04 ± 1.75 to 0.98 ± 0.02 and 0.45 to 0.97 among post weaning body weights, -0.21 ± 0.33 to 0.54 ± 0.27 and -0.09 to 0.25 among post weaning ADGs, respectively