Genotype by feeding regimen interactions for slaughter traits in rabbit and expected responses under restricted and full feeding

The interaction between the genotype and feeding regimen (G×FR) for slaughter traits was estimated from data corresponding to 2557 animals under full (FF) and 2424 with restricted feeding (RF). Expected responses to selection under different scenario regarding feeding regimen were also calculated. Body weight at slaughter (SW), carcass weight (CW) and dressing out percentage (DoP) were analysed by using linear animal models in which records obtained under different feeding regimes were treated as different traits. Animals belonged to Caldes line, selected for average daily gain (G) under ad libitum feeding. The selection process information was included in the analyses. Marginal posterior mean of heritabilities were 0.102 for G, and 0.364, 0.257 and 0.167 for SW, CW and DoP under FF feeding. The corresponding values for animals fed on RF were 0.243, 0.203 and 0.379 for SW, CW and DoP, respectively. Genetic correlations between G and CW were positive and moderate, and those between G and DoP were low. The estimated genetic correlation between SW, CW and DoP under different feeding regimens were: 0.73, 0.69 and 0.87, respectively. These correlations cannot be said to be far enough from one to generate relevant G×FR interaction variance, which were estimated to be only 11.1%, 8.6% and 5.3% of the mean of the phenotypic variance for SW, CW and DoP, respectively. This lack of G×FR interaction variance, jointly with the higher heritability of DoP under RF, explains that the genetic improvement of DoP can be done more efficiently recording traits on animals under RF, even if the interest is on the performances under FF, i.e. by indirect selection.