What is a rabbit breed that you are familiar with?

What is the purpose of rabbits in today’s world?

Describe common breeds of rabbits.

Discuss production and marketing of rabbits.

Identify rabbit anatomy. Explain how to fit and show rabbits.

Angora Fur Bucks Does Fryer Litter

Normal Fur Pelt Rex Fur Roasters Satin Fur

Objective #1

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.

Objective #2

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?

Objective #3

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

Visual Identification

Objective #4

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.

What are common breeds of rabbits?

What are production and marketing options when raising rabbits?

What differs rabbits from other mammals?

How do I fit and show rabbits?