Rabbit Management

About the Animal

  • Rabbits are prolific and will breed year round in  well-managed rabbitries.
  • Does have been known to kindle up to 23 young at one time.  The average is eight.
  • Rabbits usually have 4 to 5 litters per year.  With proper management, rabbits can be kindled intensively.
  • The young are ready for market at 4 to 5 pounds.  With proper care and feeding they will be 8 weeks old or less at this stage.
  • Rabbits have an efficient feed conversion ratio, which is the amount of feed consumed per pound of gain.
  • A doe can produce up to 10 times its own weight, or more, in offspring per year.
  • Rabbit meat is one of the most nutritious meats available.  It is highest in protein, lowest in fat and cholesterol, has the least number of calories per pound and has only 8 percent bone.
  Protein Fat Calories per lb.
Rabbit 25.5 % 10.2 % 795
Chicken 21.5 % 11.0 % 810
Veal (med. fat) 18.8 % 14.0 % 910
Turkey 20.1 % 20.2 % 1,190
Lamb (med. fat) 15.7 % 27.7 % 1,420
Beef 19.0 % 28.0 % 1,440
Pork (med. fat) 13.3 % 45.0 % 2,050