Describe common breeds of rabbits.
Discuss production and marketing of rabbits.
Identify rabbit anatomy. Explain how to fit and show rabbits.
All rabbits should be purchased from reputable breeder and evaluated on health, reproduction ability, longevity, and vigor.
American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes 42 breeds.
http://www.arba.net/
Normal Fur• long guard hairs• dense undercoat
Satin Fur• has luster• composed of
transparent hair• finer than normal fur
Rex Fur• very soft feel• very dense• undercoat & guard
hairs same length Angora Fur
• used to manufacture clothing
• it is long wool-like
white rabbit with colored nose, ears, tail and feet
weighs between 8 and 11 pounds
used for meat and show
white body with black ears, nose and circles around the eyes
also have black spots on hindquarters, cheeks, and sides of their bodies
weighs over 11 pounds
used for showing and their fur
completely white, red, or black
weighs between9 and 12 pounds
used for research, shows, and their meat
can have a black, blue chocolate, tortoise, or gray body
have a white band over their shoulder, under their neck, and over their front legs and hind feet
weigh between 5 & 8 pounds
used for research, meat, and shows
Name two different classes of rabbits based on fur type.
Describe one breed of rabbit. Include information on color, weight, and use of the animal.
Meat Rabbit Production fryers
• young domestic rabbit carcass that weighs over 1 ½ pounds and under 4 pounds
• under 12 weeks old Roasters
• rabbits that are heavier• cull animals from
breeding herd
Meat Rabbit Marketing commercial operations
sell to processors processors slaughter
rabbits for pelts and meat
colored pelts are not worth as much as pure white ones
growers usually only raise white rabbits
Wool Production Angora rabbits
wool grows 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches long
harvested at a rate of 1 inch per month
shear 14 to 15 ounces annually
keep rabbit’s environment clean
harvest wool frequently
raise for both wool & meat
Raised for Skins Pelts
• an animal’s skin that still has the hair attached
pelts sold by the pound
bought by raw-fur buyers
Some are raised for pets
4-H or FFA projects
outside or inside pets
marketing for pets is usually done locally
A fryer is a rabbit used for meat production that weighs over ___ pounds but less than ___ pounds.
Rabbits that are heavier than fryers, also used for meat production, are called what?
What breed of rabbit is used for wool production?
All domestic rabbits are descendents of wild rabbits
raised throughout the world can be a nuisance because of their eating
habits and rapid reproductive ability Bucks
• Male rabbits Does
• Female rabbits Litter
• Group of young rabbits born at one time Kindling
• The process of rabbits giving birth Kit
• A newborn rabbit
Rabbit shows are an opportunity to compete and learn more about other breeds and management options.
See how your rabbits compare to those raised by other people.
Shows are found throughout the U. S. Range from local events to state fairs
Rabbits judged on:• breed characteristics• variety
characteristics• fur condition• health• ability of animal and
owner to present qualities
Similar breeds compete against each other• break down further
into age and sex groupings
Show tame and clean animals
work with animals so they can be handled without injury
Identify two areas that rabbits are judged on during a show.
What types of breeds compete against each other during shows?
List two items to take into consideration before showing a rabbit.
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