Angora rabbit : breeding and genetics

Abstract

A synthesis was done of available work on breeding and genetics in Angora rabbits. The two main strains, German and French, are presented. In their respective breeding systems, the German breed produce 20 % more wool than the French one. However the French breed produce a specific wool used in the manufacture of fashion knitwear. The main production parameters are : total weight of wool harvested, quality of the wool : « jarreux » (bristly) or « woolly », percentage of multiple medulated hairs (in West Germany), homogeneity, structure and tautness (in France). The main difference between Angora wool production systems in the two breeds is the harvesting method, as German rabbits are sheared and French rabbits are plucked. Factors influencing wool quantity are numerous namely : sex, number of harvests, interval between harvests, season and reproduction. Demographic parameters such as renewal rate and fecundity rate could be improved in France by modification of the breeding system and by use of artificial insemination. A new programme of genetic improvment has been employed in France. The aim of French breeders is to increase productivity and specific quality of French wool (bristly wool).