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Genetic parameters for two selection criteria for feed efficiency in rabbits.
L Drouilhet1, H Gilbert, E Balmisse
1INRA, UR 631 SAGA, Auzeville, F-31326, Castanet-Tolosan, France. laurence.drouilhet@toulouse.inra.fr
Journal of Animal Science
|May 10, 2013
Summary
Genetic selection for improved feed efficiency in rabbits can utilize residual feed intake (RFI) or average daily gain under restricted feeding (ADGR). Both traits show moderate heritability and can enhance feed conversion ratio (FCR).
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Feed efficiency is crucial for sustainable livestock production.
- Genetic selection offers a powerful tool to improve feed efficiency in rabbits.
- Alternative selection criteria beyond direct feed-to-gain ratio are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate residual feed intake (RFI) under ad libitum feeding for improving feed efficiency.
- To assess average daily gain under restricted feeding (ADGR) as a selection criterion.
- To determine heritability and genetic correlations of these traits with production traits in growing rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Two rabbit lines were established: ConsoResidual (for RFI) and ADGrestrict (for ADGR).
- Data from generations 0-6 (approx. 1,800 rabbits/line) included body weight and individual feed consumption.
- Heritability and genetic correlations were estimated for RFI, ADG, feed conversion ratio (FCR), ADGR, and feed conversion ratio under restricted feeding (FCRR).
Main Results:
- Under ad libitum feeding, moderate heritability was found for RFI (0.16), ADG (0.19), and FCR (0.22).
- A high genetic correlation (0.96) between RFI and FCR was observed, confirming RFI's potential to improve FCR.
- Under restricted feeding, moderate heritability was found for ADGR (0.22) and FCRR (0.23), with a strong negative genetic correlation between them.
Conclusions:
- Selection for low RFI under ad libitum feeding is a viable strategy to improve rabbit feed conversion ratio and reduce feed intake.
- Selection for ADGR under restricted feeding offers a novel approach to enhance growth performance despite feed limitations.
- Both RFI and ADGR present distinct genetic correlations with body weight traits, suggesting different impacts on overall production that warrant further investigation.
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