What breed of rabbit produces the most meat?
New Zealand White
Answer: Two medium-size breeds, the New Zealand White (NZW) and the Californian, are the most important for meat production. They have white fur that is difficult to see if a few pieces are stuck to the carcass, and they have higher meat-to-bone ratios.
How much does a meat rabbit weigh?
Although companion rabbits are capable of living 10 to 15 years, the vast majority of “meat” rabbits are killed at three months of age. Referred to as “fryers,” these baby rabbits weigh only 1.5 – 3.5 pounds. A small percentage are slaughtered at 8 months old or 4 pounds; they are known in the industry as “roasters.”
What is the market weight of most meat rabbits?
Rabbits are classified according to their weight or hair. The weight categories are small (3 to 4 pounds), medium (9 to 12 pounds), and large (14 to 16 pounds). For meat production, medium-weight New Zealand Whites are best, followed by Californians….Rabbit Production.
| Breeds | Angora |
|---|---|
| Size | medium |
| Use | wool; meat |
| Mature Weight (lbs) | 9-12 |
What are the 5 weight categories of rabbits?
Breeds. Rabbits are classified according to their weight. The weight categories are: small (1.5÷2.5 kg), medium (3.5÷5 kg), and large (6÷7.5 kg).
Is raising rabbits for meat worth it?
Backyard Meat Rabbits Are Prolific Producers And their grow out time is short. In about 12 weeks you’ll have a large quantity of healthy, lean meat to feed yourself and your family. A trio of rabbits can produce upwards of 600 pounds of meat in a year which is more than a dressed one year old steer.
Which rabbit is best for farming?
Breeds of Rabbit – suitable for farming in India (according to the weather) are White Giant, Grey Giant, Flemish Giant, New Zealand White, New Zealand Red, Californian, Dutch and Soviet Chinchilla. Methods of Rabbit Farming – Rabbits can be raised in any of the two systems, deep litter system or cage system.
Are Flemish Giants good for meat?
Flemish Giants can be used but because of the amount of bone they are more often used to crossbreed with the New Zealand White and the Californian. The average meat production rabbit matures at around 10 -12 pounds, of course Flemish Giant crosses might be just a little heavier.
What is the best meat rabbit to eat?
The New Zealand rabbit breed is by far the most common and the most popular best meat rabbit. It’s estimated that 90% of the rabbits raised for meat are New Zealand rabbits. One reason may be that this rabbit breed puts on weight quickly and has an exceptional meat-to-bone ratio.
Is my rabbit a 4 class or 6 class?
Rabbits are broken into four class or six class breeds. As a general rule, animals with a mature weight over 9 pounds are shown as a six class animal; while animals with a mature weight under 9 pounds are shown as a four class animal.
What is F1 Cali rabbit?
F1 is a purebred Lionhead crossed with a rabbit of a different breed. Mostly Netherland Dwarf, Polish. In addition some Britannia Petites, Florida Whites, Holland or Mini Lops and Mini Rex have been used. You may also find almost any other breed listed including Dutch, New Zealands and Rex!
How much is a meat rabbit worth?
According to reputable sources I’ve seen, commercial meat processors pay anywhere from $1 to $2 per pound for live rabbits.
How long does it take to raise a rabbit for meat?
between 8 to 12 weeks
Rabbits can be harvested as early as 8 weeks of age, though many prefer to harvest them around 4 to 5 pounds. I prefer to harvest between 8 to 12 weeks, but no later than 12 weeks of age as the meat begins getting tough.
What are the best rabbits to breed for profit?
New Zealands and Californian rabbits are two of the more popular choices. But a few rare breeds are making a comeback, such as the American Blue and White, or the Silver Fox, which also are listed on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List (see Historic Meat Rabbit Breeds).
Is rabbit meat profitable?
Raising rabbits for meat is quite a simple production to start if you have the time and space. It can be highly lucrative, especially if you plan to raise your rabbits on grass and market your product as grass-fed rather than as raised in hutches.
At what age do you butcher a Flemish Giant?
FLEMISH GIANT- These monsters can grow big, Some that will sometimes weigh 20+ pounds. They do eat a lot more, and because of their body weight will have bigger bones, and their fryers, at seven to nine weeks, weigh about the same as those of the medium breeds at the same age.
How long does it take to raise rabbits for meat?
Quick to Reach Harvest Date Rabbits can be harvested as early as 8 weeks of age, though many prefer to harvest them around 4 to 5 pounds. I prefer to harvest between 8 to 12 weeks, but no later than 12 weeks of age as the meat begins getting tough.
What is a 6 8 rabbit?
Intermediate animals, often called 6/8 rabbits, are any 6-Class rabbits that are six to eight months old. Some breeds specify weight requirements, much like jrs. and srs., but other breeds do not and base it purely on age of the animal.
What size rabbit is a fryer?
The terms “fryer” or “young rabbit” refer to a rabbit weighing not less than 1 1/2 pounds and rarely more than 3 1/2 pounds, and less than 12 weeks of age. The flesh is tender, fine grained, and a bright pearly pink color. These rabbits may be cooked in much the same way as young poultry.
What is F3 rabbit?
F3 is a F2 bred to a purebred or a F3 or another F2. It denotes you now have three generations of Lionhead breeding before another bred shows on the pedigree. F4 is the same as purebred. A F3 bred to another F3 or a purebred would produce bunnies with four generations of Lionhead on the pedigree.
Is F4 purebred?
F4 is also known as purebred that may be offspring from breeding an F3 to a purebred or another F3. This will produce 4 generations of the intended breed on the pedigree.
What rabbit breeds are best for meat production?
New Zealand rabbit. This breed is virtually the most preferred rabbit for meat production.
What is the best rabbit to raise for meat?
New Zealand Rabbits. The New Zealand rabbit breed is by far the most common and the most popular best meat rabbit.
What is the most expensive breed of rabbit?
– Harlequin Rabbit. – Rex Rabbit. – Jersey Wooly Rabbit. – Dutch Rabbit. – Mini Lop Rabbit. – Chinchilla Rabbit. – Polish Rabbit. – Lionhead Rabbit.
What breed is best for meat?
There are meat specialist pig breeds.