Classifications of Rabbits Order of Lagomorpha Includes: families of Leporidae and Ochotonidae European wild rabbits is the specie from which all domestic breeds were developed American Cottontails were not used to develop other breeds Genus Oryctolagus = European wild rabbits Genus Lepus = True hares Leporidae includes rabbits and hares Genus Sylviagus = American Cotton tails Hares are larger than rabbits, do not build nests, born fully furred with eyes open and live above ground Ochotonidae includes the Pika resembling a guinea pig

History of Rabbits Rabbits were great economic importance French Monks responsible for domestication of rabbits in middle ages Responsible for taking rabbits to other parts of the world Spread to Chile and South America in the 20 th century Considered a wide spread pest European wild hare introduced to New Zealand and Australia in the later half of 19 th century Hunted for food and pelts for clothing Only major rabbit in North America is Cottontail Raised in monasteries for production Phoenician traders found rabbits on the coast of Spain Rabbits remains date back 37 million years

Uses of Rabbits Low consumption of rabbits in the U.S. Popular food in Europe Italy, Germany, France and Spain Largest producers and consumers of rabbit are: Easily digested Very palatable (tastes good) High in protein, low in cholesterol Low in fat, low in sodium Used for Meat Major meat production breeds: New Zealand & Californian Image people have of rabbits seen in cartoons and games

Uses of Rabbits Public protest of live animal research Reasons for the decline: United States reported 554,000 rabbits used in science in 1987 Skin irritation tests – testing patches of rabbit’s skin for reaction. Draize Eye Test no longer used done to test cosmetics 2006 declined to 240,000 used for science Controversial Tests done on rabbits for research: Used for Research Rabbits blood is a great medium for growing the AIDS virus Used to study reproduction, antibody development and human diseases Development of alternative methods of research

Uses of Rabbits 1. Rex: Short, with guard hairs the same length standing straight up from skin. Softy and Plush Fur is divided into four types: 4. Satin: fur mutation that has a smaller diameter and transparent outer shell. This gives a more intense color and sheen or luster. 2.Angora: Wool fiber that comes from angora breeds. Softer, finer, lighter and warmer than sheep’s wool. Less irritating. Expensive. Used for Fur 3. Normal: Fine hair with a fine guard hair that is found on majority of rabbit breeds. Used as stuffing for pillow or lower quality blankets.

Uses of Rabbits Can easily be trained to use a litter box. Clean, gentle, lovable and require little care Small and Dwarf sizes are the most popular. Some can be aggressive and territorial They can fit into any home situation does to the diversity of sizes. Used as Pets

Breeds of Rabbits 1. Dwarf and Miniature Britannia Petite Netherland Dwarf Himalayan Dwarf Hotot Polish Jersey Wooly Holland lop American Fuzzy lop Mini Rex 2. Small Dutch Tan Florida White Silver Havana Mini Lop 3. Medium English Spot Rex Standard Chinchilla Sable English Angora Harlequin Lilac Rhinelander Silver Martin Belgian Hare Satin Angora French Angora Grouped by five weight categories (1-3)

Breeds of Rabbits 5. Giant Giant Angora French Lop Checkered Giant Giant Chinchilla Flemish Giant Grouped by five weight categories (4-5) 4. Large BeverenSilver Fox Californian New Zealand Hotot English Lop Palomino American Satin Cinnamon Crème d’ Argent American Chinchilla