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ABSTRACT
Overtime, carcass of the domestic rabbit has long shown its importance in the supply: r human consumption in densely populated countries. Carcass traits are influenced by the adult weight and the maturity of rabbits at the age of slaughter. Only few studies on the growth and meat quality of Nigeria rabbits have been published in recent years. Hence the need for these study. The purpose of this study were to evaluate the carcass characteristics of 4 breeds of rabbit. A total of twelve (12) rabbits of mixed breed and sexes comprising of 3 Dutch, 3 Hyla, 3 Newzealand Black and 3 composite breed were used in the study. The rabbits meant for carcass evaluation were fasted for a period of 24 hours prior to slaughter so as to empty the gut. Live weight of rabbits was recorded. The slaughter procedure adopted include stunning, bleeding and evisceration. Data was collected and analysed. The result from the study shows that there was no significant difference in the carcass parameter measured except in bled weight. Among the four of rabbit, the mean live weight was highest in Newzealand breed (1833g), this was lured by Dutch (1700g), Hyla (1633) while the live weight was lowest in composite: (1533). The average weight for the different breeds of rabbit was 1675g. The hot carcass weights ranged from 733.33g to 933.33g and was highest in Newzealand breed (933.33), this was followed by Dutch (840 g), Hyla (833.33) while hot carcass weight was lowest in composite breeds (733.33). The dressing out percentage was highest in Hyla (55.28), this was followed by Newzealand (53.15), and Dutch (52.03) while dressing out percentage weight was lowest in composite breeds (51.11).
