difference between meat rabbits

[mystang89]

So I have another question. Every place I have looked said that the main rabbits to have if you plan on using them for meat are the Californian and New Zealand White Rabbits. Looking at different breads though I see the American Chinchilla and the Champagne D'Argent both reach a heavier mature weight than the Californian. The chinchilla and D'Argent are both 9-11 and the Californian is 8-10. Both these numbers are for bucks. Why are the Californian and New Zealand White rabbits considered better for meat when there are some rabbits who are heavier. I've even seen some rabbits that reach 12lbs as a mature weight.

 

[terri9630]

Its because of the white hair and the feed conversion weights. The NZW's and Cali's grow very fast and use less feed to get to butcher weight. There are several breeds that get larger but take more time and feed. The white hair is supposed to be less visible if you miss a small bit, I've. Only processed white rabbits so I couldn't tell if that is a valid reason.

 

[secuono]

Meat to bone is more important than weight. Flemish Giant is a huge no-no, period!
There are many meat rabbit breeds, Cali and NZ are commercial breeds, white fur makes them 'better' because they can also sell the hide.

Californian
Cinnamon
American Chinchilla
Creme D'Argent
Blanc d'Hotot
New Zealand
Palomino
Rex
Sable
Satin
Silver fox

 

[mystang89]

Thanks much. I was thinking along these lines but my word wasn't anything against the skepticism of my wife.

 

[WorthItFarms]

Silver Fox were historically known for having the highest dress weight of 65%. I haven't checked ours before, so I can't tell you if that's still true.

 

[mystang89]

Silver Fox were historically known for having the highest dress weight of 65%. I haven't checked ours before, so I can't tell you if that's still true.

Beautiful rabbit. I wonder what it's offspring would look like if it were bred with a NZW male. What age do you butcher them at?

 

[Mo's palominos]

We have some silver fox crosses in the grow out pen now. They are outgrowing my nz and cali's by quite a bit. We are going to butcher next week, so it will be interesting to see if there is a big difference in the meat to bone ratio.

 

[mystang89]

Yeah, I would be real interested to know how it came out. Not that I think I'll be able to find any Silver Fox's anywhere near where I live by then but you never know I suppose.

 

[hoodat]

If you have a small family large rabbits are a waste of feed. I like standard Rex, which are a midsize rabit. Floridas are also a good choice if you can find them. They are essentially a mid sized version of NZ whites.

 

[mystang89]

Heh, I have a 5th child on the way along with me and my wife and we plan on having more. These kids eat more than anything I've seen.