[Quantitative morphology studies on the development of body mass and various muscle groups in intensively reared...

Development of body mass and the mass of thigh, back and loins musculature was examined at 4, 8, 10 and 12 weeks in 51 California hybrids and 49 New Zealand White hybrids. Body mass development was practically identical in these rabbits. Peak growth rate of the characteristics studied occurred at 2-3 months of age in the California hybrids, but at a variable time in the New Zealand White. Age was less important than body mass in the development of criteria of productivity.