Breeding animals such as rabbits is currently quite a popular activity. Many experts in this matter note that raising such animals is a profitable business. There are different breeds of rabbits. Some are grown for meat, others for fur, and others as pets. In our article we want to talk about the most popular breeds of rabbits.
Breed characteristics
As we mentioned earlier, rabbits can be raised for completely different purposes. Depending on the goals put forward, it is necessary to choose the breed of the animal. If you plan to receive meat, then it is worth choosing meat breeds of rabbits. Downy breeds are valued primarily for thick and soft fur. However, do not forget that there are combined breeds that allow you to get both meat and fur. In addition, decorative views are very popular now. Such pets are kept in houses or apartments not for receiving something, but simply as a pet. In our article we want to talk about the most popular breeds of rabbits for breeding.
The biggest rabbits
It is worth noting that currently more than 90 breeds of rabbits are known. And they are all very different: from the smallest decorative ones, whose weight does not exceed 500 grams, and to incredibly large ones, weighing 8-10 kilograms. By the way, it is the latter that are becoming increasingly popular among breeders. The largest breeds of rabbits require special conditions from the owners, but they are very good at gaining weight and are more hardy. In total, there are ten giant breeds. Each species has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The largest breed of rabbits is flanders (it is also called the Belgian giant). Such rabbits are gigantic in size. They are very slow. The body length of the animal reaches 75 centimeters. The weight of the pet ranges from 7-10 kilograms. Rabbits are able to bring from seven to ten rabbits. Flanders has tender and juicy meat. Thick and dense fur can be dyed in a variety of colors. It may seem that the breed consists of only one virtue. But it is not so.
This breed of rabbits has certain disadvantages. Firstly, for animals certain conditions and large cells are needed, and secondly, pets need a lot of food, unlike small brothers. In addition, rabbits are ready for reproduction only by 5-6 months.
Gray giant
The breed appeared as a result of crossbreeding outbred animals with a Belgian giant. As a result, a completely new species was obtained, which was distinguished by its large mass and size, as well as significant resistance to ailments and adaptability to any climatic conditions.
The weight of rabbits reaches 4-7.5 kilograms, and the body length is 66 centimeters. Females of the breed are very prolific, for one litter the rabbit can lead from seven to ten babies. Rabbits very quickly gain weight and grow. Already in three months, their weight is 2.5 kilograms.
And yet, among the indisputable advantages of the breed, there are drawbacks. The fact is that the breed can not boast of excellent taste characteristics of meat. This breed of rabbits (described above) is usually bred to obtain skins. Animals usually have a gray-white color, but individuals of black, white, ferruginous gray and dark gray are found.
Ram rabbits
The French ram, as you know, was bred in France. The main distinguishing feature of the breed are hanging ears. By the way, this breed is currently one of the largest fold. Female rams reach five kilograms. But the males have a slightly lower weight - about 4.5 kilograms. The breed is very popular among breeders. And the reason for this is a magnificent skin and incredibly juicy and tender meat. Initially, the color of the animals was not so diverse, but now there are a variety of colors: blue, chinchilla, white, black, a lot of gray tones, etc.
Sheep rabbits are very unpretentious. Such animals are bred primarily because of meat, and fur is in the background in importance. Rabbits reach maturity at nine months. They are very fertile, because for one litter they bring up to 12 rabbits. However, at the age of one year, physiological changes occur, due to which in the future, females during childbirth can not do without outside interference. And at the age of three, rabbits should be isolated from males, since childbirth becomes dangerous for them.
White giant
Another large breed of rabbits is the white giant. Rabbits of the breed from early childhood incredibly quickly gain weight. Adults weigh at least five kilograms, and sometimes reach 6-8 kilograms. The length of the body is approximately 60 centimeters. The breed is perfectly adapted to our climate. Fertility and vitality can be envied by many of their relatives. Usually rabbits for litter bring eight to ten rabbits. Experts believe. That babies are born large enough and weigh up to 90 grams. Rabbits grow up very quickly. By about three months, they already weigh up to two kilograms.
The meat of the breed of rabbits is a white giant with juiciness and excellent taste. This species can be safely called albino, since animals have only a white color, without any inclusions. By the way, the fur of a white giant is distinguished by its luster and density, and therefore it is actively used for making fur coats.
Giant butterfly
The giant butterfly is another representative of modern rabbit breeding. The breed of rabbits is sometimes called the spotted giant because of the interesting color. White fur has symmetrical dark blotches that resemble butterfly wings in shape. It is this feature that is reflected in the name of the breed. Adult individuals aged 8-9 months weigh up to five kilograms. Fertile females bring up to eight rabbits in the litter.
And everything would be fine if it were not for the significant shortcomings of this breed of rabbits. In rabbit breeding, absolutely all characteristics are important. The greatest interest is always those breeds that have many positive features. But the spotted giant has too many flaws. Animal breeds are characterized by a pugnacious and quick-tempered character. And the taste characteristics of their meat does not shine. For this reason, these rabbits are bred for the fur of unusual colors.
Giant angora
What breeds of rabbits do you think are breeding for beautiful fur? One of them is a giant angora. Her fur is incredibly appreciated in the world. The largest adults reach 5.5 kilograms. Rabbits of this breed are very calm and kind. Their character can be described as peaceful. Thanks to such excellent qualities, such rabbits are actively used as a favorite pet. The animals are very beautiful. Their furry fur makes them incredibly attractive. Children are simply delighted with a cute animal.
This breed of rabbits in Russia has been actively bred since 1957.
Giant chinchilla
This breed, you guessed it, can be attributed to fur and meat. Adults weigh up to six kilograms. They are gaining weight fast. In addition, these pets are not at all picky about food. The breed is good for any region, as animals quickly adapt to new climatic conditions. By the way, rabbit meat is also very tasty. But most valued animal fur. It can have different shades: from light to dark. Bunnies bring in 6-8 babies.
New Zealand White
The best breeds of rabbits for meat are characterized by very high growth rates of small rabbits. In a very short period, animals gain weight incredibly quickly, becoming well-fed. For one litter, rabbits are born quite a lot, while the survival rate is very high.
The New Zealand breed is primarily bred for meat and, secondly, for the sake of skins. Adult rabbits weigh up to 4.5 kilograms. They have only white color, since only albinos were taken to breed. Rabbits have a calm disposition, they are not very susceptible to sounds, therefore they are less likely to get scared. And this means that they are less susceptible to stresses that affect their development. Bunnies, in turn, are dairy and prolific.
New Zealand Red
New Zealand red rabbits are domesticated shorthair animals that are of interest in terms of meat-and-peel direction. The breed was obtained in America in 1910. Gradually, it spread throughout the world. And since 1919 she began to get divorced in Europe. Rabbits have a strong physique and perfectly adapt to any conditions. They can be bred in a variety of climatic regions. Fertile females bring six to eight rabbits. They feed beautifully rabbits who are rapidly gaining weight. It is worth noting that the short fur of rabbits of this breed is incredibly valuable. It is characterized by rigidity and wear. The fur colorings are no less attractive. Color varies from bright red to red yellow. In nature, rabbits were yellow. But the long work of the breeders led to the appearance of red individuals.
Young growth reaches impressive size in just 60-70 days, after which it is slaughtered for meat.
California breed
This breed was bred at the beginning of the twentieth century in America. The California breed was named after the region where its creator lived. Thanks to persistent selection, it was possible to create a balanced breed in which the best qualities of the ancestors were combined.
Californian colic is medium in size; adults reach 4.5 kilograms. The fur is white. But on the ears, tail and legs there are dark brown spots. An interesting fact is that rabbits are born pure white. And only after a month dark spots begin to appear. Currently, California rabbits are one of the most meat breeds.
Burgundy breed
The breed appeared as a result of crossing the New Zealand red breed and the California one. The name comes from the region of France in which this species was bred (Burgundy) at the beginning of the twentieth century. Experts believe that this breed is one of the best meat. Animals grow very fast. And the rabbits are very fertile, because in one litter there are from 10 to 12 babies. Despite such excellent performance, such a breed of rabbits appeared in Russia only in 1991, almost eighty years after breeding.
Experts say that the meat of Burgundy rabbits has high palatability. Rabbits grow incredibly fast, in 70 days the weight of the pets is 2.5 kilograms. Animals have a dense fur of light brown color.
Black and brown rabbits
The fur breeds of rabbits are distinguished by beautiful fluffy skins, of which, when properly processed, beautiful fur coats are sewn. Black-brown rabbits are a domestic breed, they were bred in Tatarstan when crossing chinchillas, flanders, white giant and Viennese blue breed. This species is distinguished by a dense and thick fur with smooth transitions. Outwardly, the fur of animals resembles the color of a black-brown fox. The animal skins are especially popular precisely because of the external resemblance to silver fox. In addition, the fur of this breed is incredibly thick and sock. That is why it is actively used for the production of fur products.
Russian ermine
The name of the breed indicates the similarity of animal fur in color with ermines. Incredibly beautiful skin of rabbits is used as an imitation of ermine fur. In addition, the breed has excellent taste qualities of meat. It is good to use as part of a diet. Ermine rabbits are born white and only after a few weeks dark spots appear. Complete achievement of ermine color is formed by six months. The fur of the animals is incredibly thick, shiny and elastic.
Animals are easy to maintain. They can live in the simplest conditions. In addition, they are unpretentious in food. Rabbits are resistant to ailments, hardy and can live in completely different climatic conditions. Females are fertile, bringing up to eight rabbits. Kids grow up very fast. Excellent qualities of this species contribute to the rapid spread of the breed around the world.
Rex
The name of the breed of Rex rabbits is widely known even among ordinary inhabitants who are not keen on breeding animals. The breed belongs to the shorthair. The fur of the animals is very soft and similar to plush, it is incredibly pleasant to the touch.
Rex originally appeared in France, where it was bred back in 1919. And animals were brought to Russia from Germany already. The breed became incredibly popular precisely because of its valuable fur. Outwardly, it looks like a shorn, which makes it possible to imitate under a shorn mink or under seals. There are more than twenty rex colors. Animal breeds are resistant to cold, but do not tolerate high temperatures or drafts. Despite some capriciousness in breeding, the breed is very popular because of the expensive fur, which is distinguished by its strength and wear. According to experts, with good processing of skins, a fur product can be worn perfectly up to ten years.
White down breed
Rabbit fluff may well compete with goat or sheep. It is characterized by heat resistance and durability. Downy breeds, as a rule, are long-haired. Such is the white down. Rabbits of this breed reach four kilograms. For a year, one such pet can give from 300 to 750 grams of fluff, which is of high quality.
The breed was once bred in Russia. Its representatives have a pure white color. But sometimes individuals with a black, blue and smoky color are found. Animals very poorly tolerate elevated temperatures, and therefore there are difficulties with their breeding.
Lionheads
Decorative rabbits are quite popular. In fact, they are a small copy of ordinary animals. Lionhead breed was bred in Belgium. The name of the animals was due to the similarity of their head with a lion. Pets have a sufficiently long coat only on the head, sometimes a long pile can be present on the hind legs. All other parts of the body are covered with short hair. Adult individuals are quite modest in size and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms. These pets are very clean, they are easy to care for and do not cause owners any trouble.
Dwarf sheep
Dwarf rams appeared in the 1950s as a result of crossing a French ram and a dwarf breed. In just a few decades, the breed has gained incredible popularity and spread throughout Europe. And at present, animals are quite in demand. The main feature of the breed are cute hanging ears. Sheep can be both long-haired and short-haired. They are kept at home as cute pets.
Dwarf fox
If you plan to have a cute miniature pet in the house, then it is worth remembering such a breed of rabbits as dwarf foxes. This is the smallest member of the rabbit family. It is hard to imagine, but an adult individual weighs no more than 1.3 kg. By the way, there are several varieties: English, silver, black-brown American fox, blue, yellow and others. Despite the modest size of a cute creature, his character is not docile. But this does not mean that absolutely all individuals are characterized by a bad temper, among them there are both restive and complaisant creatures.
The dwarf fox has a beautiful, unusual coat that looks like a light cloak. The animal is appreciated precisely because of its miniature size and unusual coat. Moreover, the most successful is the shade of the port or pure white color.
Hermeline
Speaking about the most popular varieties of rabbits, it is worth recalling such a breed as hermeline. The main feature of the animal is its coat color. It is worth noting that representatives of this breed are exclusively white in color. Experts say that cute animals are very similar to Persian cats. The breed belongs to the dwarf. The weight of adults does not exceed 1.3 kilograms. Hermeline have a certain structural feature; they have practically no smooth cervical transition. Animals are completely unpretentious in maintenance. The breed appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century thanks to the efforts of Western European breeders. The popularity of the cute creature is explained quite simply. Outwardly, such rabbits are very reminiscent of a small toy. Ease of care has contributed to promoting the species as a pet.