Cross-sectional and longitudinal method for describing growth curve of rabbits

ABSTRACT Rabbit farming is an activity with high growth potential due to its easy handling, prolificacy, low polluting impact, and adaptability family systems, producing meat of biological value. Therefore, the aim this work was evaluate, using von Bertalanffy's nonlinear model, curves weight as a function age in ‘Flemish Giant Rabbits’ ‘New Zealand White’ crossbred rabbits. Two different data collections were used: longitudinal method cross-sectional method. The experiment carried out at Federal University Lavras, located municipality Minas Gerais, Brazil, where 10 rabbits evaluated, animals weighed from 0 150 days age. Both methods proved be adequate describe development alternative obtention curves, saving time collection showing consistent estimates.