Comparative Evaluation of Slaughter Characteristics and Economic Efficiency in Soviet Chinchilla and New Zealand White Rabbits Reared under Organized Farming Conditions

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to compare the slaughter characteristics, carcass composition and economics of two important  meat type rabbit breeds, Soviet Chinchilla (SC) and New Zealand White (NZW), reared under identical management conditions in  Kattupakkam (Tamil Nadu, India). Rabbits were slaughtered at six weeks of age and data were recorded on live weight, carcass weight,  dressing percentage, edible offals, non-edible components, and primal carcass cuts. Soviet Chinchilla rabbits exhibited significantly higher  (p<0.01) live weight and carcass weight than NZW rabbits, indicating superior growth potential and meat yield. Dressing percentage  did not differ significantly between breeds, suggesting comparable carcass conversion efficiency. Most non-carcass components and  all major primal cuts, particularly the loin and hind parts, were significantly heavier (p<0.05-0.01) in SC rabbits. The findings revealed  distinct breed-related differences in carcass traits, indicating that Soviet Chinchilla rabbits may be more suitable for meat-oriented  production systems under tropical conditions, while New Zealand White rabbits exhibit satisfactory carcass efficiency and adaptability.  The economics analysis suggested that Soviet Chinchilla rabbits are more economically efficient over NZW for meat production under  the prevailing feeding and management conditions. The findings provide valuable baseline information for breed selection, genetic  improvement, and sustainable rabbit meat production in tropical regions.