EFFECT OF THE PRODUCTION SYSTEM ON THE CARCASS TRAITS OF THE LOCAL BREED OF ALBANIAN RABBIT

The carcass characteristics of the Albanian local rabbit breed farmed in two different production systems were compared. The carcasses were measured and retailed according to the norms of the World Rabbit Scientific Association. The rabbits that were reared on the family farms, the traditional system (n=36), showed a lower live weight at the slaughter age of 101 days (2025 vs. 2303 g, P 0.03), as well as a lower dressing out percentage (59.41 vs. 60.53%, P 0.05), than the rabbits (n=40) reared on the commercial farms, the conventional production system. A higher proportion of the hind part of the carcass (42.11 vs. 36.93%, P 0.05) and two shoulders (17.5 vs. 16.1%) were observed in the conventional production system when compared to the traditional one. The average of the pelts was also different at 286.5 g (traditional system) and 328.2 g (conventional system) (P 0.01), while the ratio of the pelts to the live weight at slaughter age were equal. The production system did not affect the total inedible parts percentage. In conclusion, the local rabbits reared in the conventional systems showed better carcass characteristics.