Comparison of Non-linear Growth Curve Models in Non-descript California and New Zealand Rabbits Reared in the Tropical Conditions of Nigeria
Okeke Rufina Obioma
Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.
Suleiman Ibrahim Onotu
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Omotugba Stephen Kayode
Department of Basic Science, Federal College of Wildlife Management, Nigeria.
Ibikunle Kehinde Yemiola
National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Edo State, Nigeria.
Idris Abdullahi
National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
Louis Ugwu
Department of Biology, School of Science, Federal College of Education, Katsina, Nigeria.
Adeniyi Adebayo Kunle
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Oludayo Michael Akinsola
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Nonlinear functions of body weight at different age intervals were used to estimate the growth pattern in New Zealand White and California rabbits. Gompertz and Logistic functions of 3 and 4 parameters were fitted to Age-weight data matrix. Age-weight records of New Zealand White and California rabbits from birth were monitored to 56 days to estimate the average growth curve for each breed. The weight difference between breeds was consistently in favor of California rabbits as compared to New Zealand White. It was concluded that the Gompertz and logistic models were both parsimonious and adequate in describing the growth patterns of New Zealand White and California rabbits in the tropical conditions of Nigeria.
Keywords: Gompertz model, logistic models, non-linear growth curve models, rabbits, nonlinear functions, body weight.