There are many rabbit breeds across the world. However, there are those rabbit breeds in Kenya.
Common Rabbit Breeds Reared in Kenya.
Considering to venture into rabbit farming is one of the many steps that one has to take for a successful rabbitry project. Many will factor in different “ingredients” that will spice up the project to success. Talk of high-quality cages, proper routine management, and hygiene which are all essential by the way, for a productive stock.
But most assume or fail to realize the importance of understanding what breed is to be reared. Knowing different breeds and their characteristics will guide a farmer on what type of rabbit to rear for its intended purpose.
Rabbits can be kept for their meat, fur, laboratory purpose, or as pets. It’s only by one understanding of which breed is best for meat that will make one successful as a commercial rabbit meat producer if that were the case. Below we take a look at common rabbit breeds reared in Kenya.
Californian white.
The breed is said to have been developed in US and dispersed to other parts of the world later on. Its main characteristic is being white except for the ears, nose, feet, and tail which are either dark grey or dark in color. The breed has got heavily build back and hips, and broad shoulders hence its acceptance by many as a meat breed.
Californian breeds are used by many farmers as sire breeds by interbreeding them with other rabbits for meat production.
Figure 1 Californian White (Image: Courtesy)
New Zealand White.
Though its name suggests otherwise, the breed originated from the United States. Then, migrating to New Zealand and other parts of the world later on (“Rabbits Breeds – New Zealand”, 2021).
Despite white-coloured, New Zealand rabbits’ dominance, there exists other different variations of the breed, for example, the red ones. White fur is easier to dye hence its preference.
The breed was developed for meat purposes hence its fast growth, capable of attaining 3kg in 12-14 weeks. New Zealand is considered among the best commercial breeds due to its marketability of both meat and fur.
Dam breeds should be selected and retained at the farm due to their good mothering ability and fast growth.
Chinchilla.
Categorized into three groups;
- Standard chinchilla. – It’s the original breed which the other breeds were developed from. The breed is small when you compare it to the American and the giant chinchillas. They have a compact body with a nice rounded neck and attain an average weight of three kgs. Mosty kept for fur or as a pet.
- American chinchilla. – falls in between the standard and the giant breed. The breed is not popular and many consider it as a pet or on show grounds. It contains up to 5kgs depending on the feeding regime.
- Giant chinchilla. – Biggest of them all breeds. You can record up to 7kgs by this breed depending on its feeding management.
Fur is the most unique characteristic of the chinchilla breeds, the outstanding dark grey fur of chinchillas makes them adorable as pets by many.
However, meat to bone ratio makes the breed not ideal for commercial meat production.
Flemish giant.
Loved by most farmers due to its big size, which can weigh up to 7kgs live weight, the breed was developed for its meat and fur initially.
Some of its characteristics are its; large-sized body and a dewlap under its head. Commercial producers of fur have accepted the breed for that purpose but much debate is on its meat production.
Flemish giant has not fully satisfied commercial meat producers due to its slow growth and high bone-to-meat ratio compared to the New Zealand white.
French Lop.
Developed in France, the breed is among the largest breeds. It closely resembles the Flemish giant, weighing 5kgs or more depending on feeding management.
French Lop’s main characteristic is its big drooping ears which cover the head.
The breed is favoured for meat production due to its weight though many have domesticated them as pets.
Figure 2 French Lop (Image: Courtesy)
Canada Dorwan Giant.
Introduced to Kenya farmers by Alcare Kenya limited, the breed is ideal for commercial meat production.
The meat to bone ratio is 80/20 respectively hence its acceptability by many.
Its adaptability to different parts of the country has favored its production and profitable gains recorded by farmers.
References
Rabbits Breeds – New Zealand. (2021). Retrieved 5 October 2021, from http://threelittleladiesrabbitry.com/newzealand.php .
Standard Chinchilla Rabbits. (2021). Retrieved 5 October 2021, from https://rabbitbreeders.us/standard-chinchilla-rabbits/ .
