Dec 11
2
Estimating Rabbit Production
In order to estimate rabbit production, several questions must be answered. The most important questions are: What is the end purpose of the rabbits? Is it a hobby or a business? How will the rabbits be housed and cared for? Will the caretaker be the owner, or will there be enough stock that others will need to be hired?
Once these questions are answered, the determination of the exact breed can be established, and a breeding schedule can be set with the proper documentation on the beginning breeding pair(s), and established record keeping for all breeding and young. It is fair to note that most people in the United States view rabbits as pets rather than food. It is essential if the breeder has a family and the rabbits will be killed for food or for their pelts that all members of the household understand the process and can care for but keep a detachment from the young.
There are almost fifty breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, and all fall into five categories based on body type: Full arch, Semi arch, Compact, Cylindrical, and Commercial. There are eighteen commercial breeds that vary depending on desired outcome for the rabbits. The assumption that the larger the rabbit breed, the better it would be for meat production is totally false. Larger breeds have larger bones, and can have a lower meat to bone ratio than some of the smaller more compact breeds.
The New Zealand Whites are often chosen for meat production. French, Giants, and Satin Angoras are the best breeds for wool production. French Lops are often used by hobbyists, or for pets but do not have a proper bone structure to be considered for meat production.
Researching the best breed for the best outcome is essential and keeping proper records from the beginning is critical. Breeding methods may vary by breed but multiple litters will be expected from each doe, with some producing more than others. If breeding for meat, it will be crucial that the runts be removed from the litter and humanely destroyed. Some breeders are simply too soft hearted for this, which is fine, but it will decrease your production. Litters should be maintained at 5-8 of the healthiest kits for best production. The goal is to have three good fryers of three to five pounds [1350-2250 grams] at eight to ten weeks of age.
Another consideration is the female cannibalizing the young. There are different methods for keeping losses to a minimum, but it is known to be a hereditary trait. Females who have cannibalized a litter should be removed from the breeding rotation and replaced. Records must be maintained to keep this problem to a minimum. rabbit production can be rewarding but the downfalls should be considered before deciding to raise rabbits.
