Using Post-Mortem Measurements to Predict Carcass Tissue Composition in Growing Rabbits

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to determine postmortem measurements for predicting carcass traits in growing rabbits. A total of 50 New Zealand White × Californian male rabbits were used. Data recorded at slaughtering included carcass and noncarcass components (viscera and offal). Our results indicated that the use of carcass measurements could accurately and precisely (r = ≥0.76 and ≤0.84) be used as alternatives to predict the carcass weights and carcass tissues in growing rabbits. ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine post-mortem measurements for predicting carcass traits in growing rabbits. A total of 50 clinically healthy New Zealand White × Californian male rabbits with a body weight (BW) of 1351 ± 347 g between 60 to 80 days of age were used. Body weight was recorded 12 h before slaughtering. Data recorded at slaughtering included carcass weights (HCW). After cooling at 4 °C for 24 h, carcasses were weighed (CCW) and then were carefully split longitudinally with a band saw to obtain left and right halves. In the right half carcass, the following measurements were recorded using a tape measure: dorsal length (DL), thoracic depth (TD), thigh length (TL), carcass length (CL), lumbar circumference (LC). The compactness index (CCI) was calculated as the CCW divided by the CL. Thereafter, the right half carcass was weighed and manually deboned to record weights of muscle (TCM), and bone (TCB). The CCI explained of 93% of variation for TCM (R(2) = 0.93 and a CV = 9.30%). In addition, the DL was the best predictor (p < 0.001) for TCB (R(2) = 0.60 and a CV = 18.9%). Our results indicated that the use of carcass measurements could accurately and precisely (R(2) = ≥ 0.60 and ≤0.95) be used as alternatives to predict the carcass tissues composition in growing rabbits.