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Different breeds of rabbit at an exhibition in the Netherlands, 1952. As of 2017, there were at least 305 breeds of the domestic rabbit in 70 countries around the world raised for in the agricultural practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits as livestock for their value in meat, fur, wool, education, scientific research, entertainment and companionship in cuniculture. [1]
Counterintuitively, the giant rabbit breeds are rarely used for meat production, due to their extended growth rates (which lead to high feed costs) and their large bone size (which reduces the percentage of their weight that is usable meat). Dwarf breeds, too, are rarely used, due to the high production costs, slow growth, and low offspring rate.
This is the biggest official rabbit breed, and also one of the oldest, with a breed standard dating back to 1893. They have been used for meat and fur, as well as pets, breeding and show animals.
The Flemish Giant originated in Flanders.It was bred as early as the 16th century near the city of Ghent, Belgium.It is believed to have descended from a number of meat and fur breeds, possibly including the Steenkonijn ("Stone Rabbit"—referring to the old Belgian weight size of one stone or about 3.8 kilograms (8.4 lb)) and the European "Patagonian" breed (now extinct).
In addition to their meat, domestic rabbits are used for their wool [47] and fur for clothing, [173] as well as their nitrogen-rich manure and their high-protein milk. [174] Production industries have developed domesticated rabbit breeds (such as the Angora rabbit) for the purpose of meeting these needs. [44]
The main consumer of rabbit meat in the world was China, as of 2017, [113] though the production of rabbit meat in China has decreased by 33.8% from 2010 to 2020, and global production has decreased by 24.1% over the same period. [114] Rabbit fryers are the most common type of rabbit sold for meat, and make up more than 85% of the market share.
The New Zealand is commonly used as a meat rabbit with a high feed to meat ratio with fine bones, and are considered one of the best breeds for meat production. [11] Production rabbits are fed more protein (18-20% rather than the typical 16-18% for non-production rabbits), and sometimes alfalfa hay.
If you are a first-time rabbit owner, you will want to read up on our top tips for taking care of rabbits.Dr. Rebecca MacMillan also advises against certain breeds for new bunny parents.
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