Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, India.
*Part of the Ph.D. thesis submitted by the first author to Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
Data on feed intake and feed conversion ratio of 17 purebred, 18 two-breed and 27 three-breed cross bunnies from 5 to 16 weeks age were analyzed. Genetic group and season of birth of bunnies have significantly influenced the feed intake and feed conversion ratio of 3-breed crosses. Sex of bunny had no significant influence on feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The overall least square means for feed intake were 4.77, 4.98 and 4.85 kg in purebreds, 2-breed crosses and 3-breed crosses and the means for feed conversion ratio were 3.88, 3.66 and 3.33, respectively. The desired negative heterosis was manifested by the 2-breed and 3-breed cross genetic groups.
