Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Compared to the cattle industry, or the poultry industry, the value of the rabbit industry in the
U.S. is very small. In 2000, cattle were marketed for $41 billion. Meat rabbits were marketed
for between $7 and 8 million. Retail sales of rabbit meat sold for between $16 and 20 million.
Sales of rabbits as pets are more valuable. In 2000, rabbits sold as pets accounted for $612
million. Pet owners spent $75 billion on pet supplies that year, according to the American Pet
Products Manufacturers' Association. Even sales of rabbit fur and wool are relatively modest.
Total value for rabbit industry products in 2000 to 2001 was between $745 million and $831
million.
Purebred rabbits can be used as breeding stock to establish a small-scale young rabbit selling
operation. Another business to explore is selling rabbit meat to specialty markets or gourmet
restaurants. Rabbit meat producers find that having 40 does will give them a good return on
their investment. Rabbit manure also can be used as a fertilizer. Pelts can be sold or used for
high-end fashions. A requirement for any small-scale farming business is to generate a reli-
able, healthy flow of rabbits. This can be accomplished by purchasing healthy stock, choosing
the right breed of rabbits, keeping a breeding schedule, and maintaining your rabbits in the
best health possible. To begin, you will need to decide which breed will fit best with your
plans.
Breeds
There are more than 100 recognized breeds of rabbits. Rabbits range in size from the mini,
which weigh as little as 2 pounds as adults, up to the giant breeds, which can weigh more than
20 pounds. Following is a listing of some of the more common breeds of rabbits that you
should be able to obtain easily to start a small-scale rabbit-raising operation:
Pet breeds
Dutch:
The Dutch rabbit is an old breed developed in England. It comes in six colors: gray,
tortoiseshell, steel, chocolate, brown, and black. All colors have a band of white around the
chest, a wedge-shaped patch of white on the face, and white on the tips of the hind feet. The
Dutch rabbit weighs about 4 pounds when mature. They make good pet rabbits.
Flemish Giant:
This is the largest breed of rabbit. When mature, it will weigh more than 14
pounds; some rabbits are more than 22 pounds when full grown. It is a popular pet rabbit and
comes in a variety of colors.
