Correlated response of meatiness indicating traits to selection for weight at prevailing marketing age in New Zealand White Rabbits

Genetic and phenotypic variations and correlations and heritabilities were estimated for nine slaughter and carcass traits measured on 102 male rabbits (c. 12 weeks of age), progeny of 19 sires and 102 dams of New Zealand White breed. Moderate correlated response in meatiness-indicating traits (viz. side meat:bone ratio; hind cut meat weight; side meat weight) would be expected from mass selection for slaughter weight. Much lower correlated response in weight-distribution traits would justify the recourse to sib or progeny tests.