Genotype Environment Interaction In Rabbit Production Effect On Heterosis Of Litter And Growth Traits

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been increased awareness of the advantages of rabbit production in developing Countries especially in Nigeria. This is due to decline in animal protein supply to ever increasing human population (Onibi and Owa, 1999). Rabbits occupy a niche mid-way between ruminant and non-ruminant animals. They are herbivores and thrive well on forages and agricultural by-products, which makes rabbit production cheap. Rabbit has been found to be an in expensive source of high quality animal protein with high fecundity, high prolifically and ability to survive on forage and concentrate. To adequately utilize these desirable qualities to maximize animal protein production, sustainable genetic improvement of rabbit has to be carried out.