Rabbit Production. James I McNitt
season of the year. In many areas it is available in the markets either in the cut-up and packaged (fresh or frozen) form or in the whole carcass. While there appears to be a preference shown by consumers for the cut-up and packaged product, chefs and those in charge of the meat purchasing for institutions such as hospitals, clubs, and hotels prefer it in the whole carcass form so they may cut it to suit their own requirements and methods of preparation. Some processors develop cuts such as fillets or nuggets for specialty restaurant markets.
Fig. 1.6. Rabbit is a high-quality, nutritious, and attractive meat. (Courtesy of J.I. McNitt)
Although the main commercial use of rabbits is meat, the skins are also important. The furs are used in various apparel items, such as fur coats. However, the price paid for the skins by the larger fur buyers is not sufficient to justify many of the assertions that have been made that one could engage in breeding rabbits for their pelts alone and make a satisfactory profit. The returns from both meat and pelts must be combined to derive the maximum profit from the labor and capital invested. The market values vary from time to time, depending on season, fashion dictates, etc.
Rabbit skins are used in many ways, the best quality being employed in making fur garments and fur trimmings, the poorer quality being used by the felting industry and for manufacturing toys, specialty articles, etc. The normal furs are used chiefly for making imitations of high priced furs, and the fur industry has become so proficient in this line that by plucking, shearing, dyeing, etc., it is able to imitate many of the wild and more expensive furs. These imitations are sold under a variety of trade names and each imitation must be properly labeled. The better quality garments that are made from the heavily furred rabbit skins are warm and luxurious, and they wear well (Fig. 1.7). Those skins that are not suitable for manufacturing the better quality products are used for lining men’s and boys’ clothing, making toys, trimming children’s garments and coats, and manufacturing felt hats. At the time the fur is cut from the skins for use by the felting industry, the skins are shredded and glue that is especially strong is extracted. This glue is used principally by furniture makers. Large processing plants use all parts of the rabbit, even the feet for “lucky rabbit’s foot” souvenirs.
Fig. 1.7. A lady wearing a rabbit fur hat and carrying a rabbit fur purse. (Courtesy of S.D. and B. Lukefahr)
The Rex rabbit differs from other breeds in having a coat with no conspicuous guard hairs, giving a very attractive fur. In the United States, there has been extensive interest in Rex Rabbit production but it has yet to develop into an integral component of the American rabbit industry.
In Europe, there is extensive use of Angora rabbit wool in the manufacture of luxury garments. The main source of Angora wool production is China, which produces over 90 percent of the world’s supply. In the United States, Angora production is primarily a hobby, since the high labor costs preclude a viable commercial Angora industry.
Production of Pharmaceuticals
Associated with the production of rabbits for meat and fur is the preparation of pharmaceutical products. The brains, blood, and various internal organs are used in producing “biologicals” for medical use and research. For example, rabbit brains are a source of thromboplastin, which is used to control the dosage of anticoagulant given to prevent thrombosis (heart attack), phlebitis, and other abnormal clotting conditions of the human body. The blood is used to prepare complement, used in biomedical programs. Various enzymes for research are derived from rabbit tissues.
Youth Programs
The raising of domestic rabbits lends itself nicely to 4-H Club, Boy and Girl Scout, and FFA projects (Fig. 1.8). The fact that in many cases rabbits can be raised where larger farm animals or even poultry cannot be handled makes them especially useful animals for these groups. In this connection, rabbit breeders can be of material aid to these younger people by providing desirable breeding stock at nominal prices and by counseling with leaders and members of the youth groups with respect to methods for raising or caring for their animals. In many areas where the youthful rabbit raisers may need capital for developing their projects, local bankers cooperate with them and arrange to make loans for that purpose. A boy or girl signs a note and is expected to repay the principal plus interest out of the profits from the endeavor. This cooperation by business executives is helpful and gives the young rabbit raiser an insight into business procedure. Many youth projects have resulted in prizes and trophies being awarded at fairs and other exhibitions. Youth programs are an excellent way of teaching the concept of responsibility to young people.
Fig. 1.8. Youth members showing their rabbits. (Courtesy of the Webb Family)
To teach young persons the fundamentals of animal husbandry, youth groups may begin with young rabbits at weaning age. When the young members of a family group want to raise rabbits, it may be best to purchase an adult doe so that their interest may be kept keen by the chronological events, such as the doe making a nest and kindling and then the young people taking care of the litter, selling the products, etc. Many of these small beginnings on the part of young people have developed into sizeable undertakings.
Hobbies and Pets
Because the domestic rabbit is cage-raised, it lends itself more readily than other farm animals to handling by people with special needs and opens up a new field of activity for them. They derive a great deal of satisfaction from producing meat rabbits, spinning Angora wool and making garments, or just raising rabbits as pets.
People may want to raise rabbits because they enjoy working with animals and thus can advantageously combine a hobby with prospects of a supplemental income. There are many ramifications to this type of activity (Fig. 1.9). Some people may develop an interest in attempting to improve a strain of rabbits by studying its characteristics in an effort to produce animals as nearly perfect as possible and derive a great deal of pleasure from showing them.
Fig. 1.9. Rabbits make fine pets! (Courtesy of Susan Smith)
Complete rabbit rations can be purchased in small quantities at most feed stores, and these pellets are clean, easy to store, and convenient to feed. Caution should be taken in purchasing very young rabbits, such as Easter bunnies, etc., for small children. In too many cases the rabbits are improperly handled or cared for and may be abused and die. A rabbit purchased for a child’s pet should be at least six to eight weeks of age, because it has passed its more delicate stage of development and is less likely to be injured while the child is being instructed by the parent as to the proper method for holding and playing with it.
Laboratory Use
Rabbits have traditionally been used as laboratory animals. Because they are small and do not require a large amount of space in the laboratories and because the feeding and care are relatively inexpensive, this species is well adapted to certain types of research (Fig. 1.10). These include performing nutritional studies, testing new medical