META-ANALYSIS OF GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR ECONOMIC TRAITS IN RABBIT USING A RANDOM-EFFECTS MODEL

The genetic improvement of rabbits helps increase their productivity and, consequently, increase the supply of animal protein for human consumption. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) for litter size at birth, litter weight at birth, litter size at weaning, litter weight at weaning and slaughter weight in rabbits. The final dataset contained 147 estimates of heritability and 32 estimates of genetic correlation across 34 articles published between 1992 and 2022. A random-effects model was used and the heterogeneity of estimates was assessed using Q and I-2 statistics. Heritability estimates were of low magnitude for all traits, ranging from 0.09 to 0.18. The lowest heritability estimate was observed for litter size at weaning and the highest for slaughter weight. Most genetic correlations between traits were positive and moderate, ranging from 0.44 to 0.60. Significant heterogeneity among studies justified the use of random-effects models. The meta-analysis study provided reliable genetic parameter estimates and these results can support the development of rabbit breeding programmes.