Growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and muscle amino-acid profile of different rabbits breeds and their crosses

Meat production efficiency can be enhanced by crossbreeding to capture heterosis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of rabbit genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and amino acids profile. A total of 504 weaned rabbits from nine genotypes of full factorial crossing of New Zealand White (NZW), Californian (CA) and Rex (RX) were used. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles were assessed for meat quality and amino acids profile. There were no differences between groups at weaning and 6 weeks, but by 10 weeks differences were significant (P < 0.001) and the numerically heaviest groups were CA × RX and RX × NZW (1970 g, P < 0.001) with to some extent better amino acids profile. In conclusion, RX growth performance was improved by crossing CA sire with RX dam and RX sire with NZW dam and to have dual purpose breed with better growth performance without hazard on carcass and meat quality. CA × RX and RX × NZW had the heaviest body weight at 10 weeks of age and highest body weight gain during the whole finishing period.