Research note: Pre-weaning performance in Indonesian Local Rabbits and Crossbred Progeny with Exotic Bucks

Abstract

This research assessed the pre-weaning growth of local rabbits (L × L) and their hybrids with New Zealand White (NZW × L) and Hycole (HL × L) bucks, concentrating on birth weight, weekly body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and growth trends. The findings indicated that the crossbred kits (NZW × L: 53.51 ± 12.07 g; HL × L: 51.09 ± 10.21 g) had notably higher birth weights compared to the local kits (40.67 ± 10.69 g; p < 0.0001). Throughout the weeks, the body weights of the crossbred groups consistently exceeded those of the L × L group, with NZW × L kits reaching 907.49 ± 199.95 g by the sixth week, in contrast to 785.90 ± 150.87 g (HL × L) and 602.24 ± 79.57 g (L × L). The ADG was significantly greater in the crossbreds, peaking at 39.99 ± 17.04 g/day (NZW × L) during weeks 5–6, compared to 24.79 ± 6.24 g (HL × L) and 18.84 ± 3.71 g (L × L). The growth curves showed accelerated gains in the crossbreds, attributed to heterosis and enhanced genetic potential. These results highlight that crossbreeding local rabbits with NZW and Hycole bucks improves pre-weaning growth performance, emphasizing the advantages of strategic genetic enhancement in smallholder rabbit farming.