Identifying and Utilising Genes for Disease Resistance and Doe Health for t

CSIRO

  • Project code: PRJ-000803

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Saturday, May 1, 2004

  • Project completion date: Wednesday, May 30, 2007

  • National Priority: NAP-Provide new and developing animal industries with regular and up-to-date market assessments

Program

New and Emerging Animal Industries

Research Organisation

CSIRO

Objective Summary

Outcomes and deliverables of the proposed research in conjunction with RIRDC’s project with Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company . Leading edge genetic improvement program for meat rabbits incorporating innovative and new traits that impact on farmerprofitability such as disease resistance doe health and longevity and homogeneity of kit weights. . Establishment of the 120 doe Crusader herd at Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company (SMGRC) facility at Bredbo NSW so that it is running on a weekly management cycle of mating kindling weaning and data collection consistent with protocols provided by CSIRO. . Database of information updated weekly as per protocols to support research and development for genetic improvement in the meat rabbit industry. . Improved Crusader breeding stock through the conduct of a selection program based on estimation of estimated breeding values (EBVs) index ranking of animals and appropriate mate allocation as per protocols provided by CSIRO. . Crusader rabbits being used in industry and contributing to improvements in farmers; profits through the regular sale of breeding stock. . High industry awareness of the availability and benefits of Crusader stock by promotion at field days and in the media. . Recommendations for industry on improved management options for rabbit farmers in the first instance recommendations on kit boxes for improved kitten survival. . The establishment of a national meat rabbit genetic evaluation program with Crusader actingas hub to provide genetic linkage between breeding herds.