Abstract: [Objective] Growth and biochemistry of white rabbits from Fujian and New Zealand were compared to facilitate the breeding and utilization of the local resource.[Method]The growth and development of Fujian white rabbit (FWR) and New Zealand white rabbit (NWR) was monitored, and the biochemistry of 90-d-old rabbits determined.[Result]The average weight of individual male FWRs was generally higher but not significantly (P<0.05) than that of female rabbits in a same growth period, except in 35-to 90-d-old. At 90-d-old, FWR had significantly lower body weight, body length, chest girth, ear length, ear width, immunoglobulin IgM, IgG, globulin, glutamoacyl transferase, and total cholesterol than NWR at P<0.01, but at P<0.05 on low-density lipoprotein (LDL). On the other hand, FWR had significantly higher albumin, lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin than NWR (P<0.01).[Conclusion]Compared to NWR,the FWR was with characteristics of small body size, slow growth rate, low total cholesterol, low LDL, and high albumin.

Key words: Fujian white rabbit, New Zealand white rabbit, growth performance, biochemistry