Genetics of fibre and fur production in rabbits.

Abstract This chapter aims to present the genetics of fibre and fur production in the rabbit. It focuses first on general biology of hair covering and hair development of the rabbit. A clear understanding of the biological basis of the coat is essential for a better understanding of the genetic basis of fibre and fur production. It then examines the genetic basis of hair growth pattern and coat composition for fibre and fur production. Selection of rabbit on coat colour, a component of fur production, will be dealt with very briefly. Genetics and molecular genetics of coat colour is the subject of Chapter 6 of this book.