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.