The aim of this work was to compare the reproductive performances of a local rabbit-population reared under organic or conventional systems. A total of 35 does and 10 bucks were reared under conventional system in the Experimental Rabbit Station of the Department of Animal Production and a total of 22 does and 6 bucks were reared under organic technique in a certified farm. During the two-years period, the following reproduction parameters were calculated: fertility, delivery-interval, gestation-length, birth mortality-rate and pre-weaning mortality-rate. Fertility rate showed good values independently from the rearing technology (94.3% in nulliparous). The organic system significantly reduced the gestation-length (31.1d vs. 31.7d) and the birth-mortality (9.1% vs. 23.5%). Delivery periods significantly influenced fertility (better performances resulted during June-September, 97.6%, than February-May, 94.0%, and October-January, 85.7%). Number of weaned per doe resulted better during October-January than February-May and June-September (6.1 vs. 5.2 and 3.1, respectively). The studied population showed adequate productive response and, for this reason, could be reared under conventional technology but was better fitted to the organic system for their rusticity, good fertility, prolificacy and resistance in poor rearing-conditions.
Reproductive performance in a local rabbit population reraed under organic and conventional system
PACI, GISELLA;BAGLIACCA, MARCO
2003-01-01
Abstract
The aim of this work was to compare the reproductive performances of a local rabbit-population reared under organic or conventional systems. A total of 35 does and 10 bucks were reared under conventional system in the Experimental Rabbit Station of the Department of Animal Production and a total of 22 does and 6 bucks were reared under organic technique in a certified farm. During the two-years period, the following reproduction parameters were calculated: fertility, delivery-interval, gestation-length, birth mortality-rate and pre-weaning mortality-rate. Fertility rate showed good values independently from the rearing technology (94.3% in nulliparous). The organic system significantly reduced the gestation-length (31.1d vs. 31.7d) and the birth-mortality (9.1% vs. 23.5%). Delivery periods significantly influenced fertility (better performances resulted during June-September, 97.6%, than February-May, 94.0%, and October-January, 85.7%). Number of weaned per doe resulted better during October-January than February-May and June-September (6.1 vs. 5.2 and 3.1, respectively). The studied population showed adequate productive response and, for this reason, could be reared under conventional technology but was better fitted to the organic system for their rusticity, good fertility, prolificacy and resistance in poor rearing-conditions.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
