EFFECT OF GENOTYPE AND ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE YOUNG MEAT RABBIT

[EN] 31, 35 and 36 male New Zealand White (NZW), or commercial hybrids Hyla (H) and Provisal (P) rabbits were studied respectively, and rearad until they were 85 days old. The test provided for two experiments: the first was carried out in winter (December - January) at an average temperatura of 11 ºC and a relativa humidity level approximately of 66 % , and the second in summer (July - August) ata temperatura of 27ºC and humidity level of 74 %. During the two trials the animals were fed "ad libitum" with a commercial pelleted feed. At the end of the study, 10 animals from each genetic group and for each season were slaughtered and jointed. As regards the effect of the genotype on growth performance, daily weight gain (32.8 g), intake (126.5 g/d) and fead efficiency (3.85 g/g) appeared similar for the three breeds considerad. As regards seasonal effects, the high summer temperaturas led to a significant reduction (P