Selection for environmental variance of litter size in rabbits.
Agustín BlascoMarina Martínez-ÁlvaroMaria-Luz GarcíaNoelia Ibáñez-EscricheMaría-José ArgentePublished in: Genetics, selection, evolution : GSE (2017)
We conclude that environmental variance of litter size is genetically determined based on the results of our divergent selection experiment. This has implications for animal welfare, since animals that cope better with their environment have better welfare than more sensitive animals. We also conclude that selection for reduced environmental variance of litter size does not depress litter size.