| There are more than 45 breeds of rabbits in the | | | | just 2 months. Their average litter size is 8-10 |
| world, but only about 17 have a "commercial" (large, | | | | bunnies. |
| chubby, meaty) body type which are preferable for | | | | 3. Florida White Adult Size: Small (4-6 pounds/ 1.8-2.7 |
| meat production. Characteristics which make some | | | | kilograms) Although this rabbit is quite small, it was |
| meat rabbit breeds better than others are a higher | | | | bred in Florida in the 1960's as a meat rabbit which |
| meat-to-bone ratio, quick growth, fur color and ease | | | | would also be functional for laboratory use. The fur is |
| of care. | | | | white with good density and texture, and they have |
| | | | a compact, meaty body, short neck, and small head. |
| 1. Californian Adult Size: Medium (7-10 pounds/ 3.5-4.75 | | | | 4. Palomino Adult Size: Large (8-11 pounds/ 3.6-5 |
| kilograms) Californian rabbits were developed in the | | | | kilograms) Palomino rabbits have a smaller bone |
| USA in the 1920's to provide good meat and fur | | | | structure than other meat rabbits which gives you a |
| production. Californians are a cross of Himalayan, | | | | higher meat ratio. But they take a bit longer to grow. |
| Standard Chinchilla and New Zealand white rabbits and | | | | Bucks are 8-10 pounds and does usually range from |
| are currently the second most popular meat | | | | 9-11 pounds. Litter size is usually 8 kits but can range |
| producing rabbits in the world. The body is plump but | | | | from 6 to 12. Palominos come in two colors: Golden |
| fine-boned. Californian rabbits look very similar to the | | | | & Lynx. The Golden has an orange/brown |
| Himalayan rabbit with a predominantly white body | | | | golden color (as the name suggests) and the Lynx |
| and black on the feet, nose, ears and tail. Their | | | | has a bit more grey or silver tone in the fur. They |
| average litter size is 6-8 bunnies. | | | | have a very docile and friendly temperament. |
| 2. New Zealand Adult Size: Large (8-12 pounds/ | | | | 5. Beveren Adult Size: Medium (8-11 pounds/ 3.6-5 |
| 3.6-5.4 kilograms) Despite the name, New Zealand | | | | kilograms) The Beveren is one of the oldest and |
| rabbits were first bred in America in 1916 for meat | | | | largest breeds of fur rabbits, originating in Belgium. |
| and fur production and are currently the number one | | | | Their coats can be blue, white, black, brown and lilac. |
| meat rabbit in the United States. They come in | | | | They are a rare breed but well tempered, clean, and |
| several different colors (black, red and white) but the | | | | smart. The fur is rather long (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 |
| white rabbits are the most popular for meat | | | | inches), dense and glossy. The breed is hardy and |
| production because of their large, broad, and | | | | well suited for meat production because of large litter |
| muscular bodies. When mature, bucks weigh from | | | | size, the young grow fairly fast, and the does are |
| 8-10 pounds and females from 9-12 pounds. New | | | | typically docile and make good mothers. |
| Zealand rabbits are ready to slaughter as fryers after | | | | |