 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.

 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 & mea t 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?