Page 9 - Hazels Rabbit Farm CS

Once buildings are built or renovated and equipment
purchased, the key is good breeding stock. Poor breeding

stock will produce poor offspring. However, the price a
breeder asks for stock does not reflect the quality of the

rabbits. Only time, records, and results can prove the

worth of breeding stock and the reputation of the breeder.

Business Concept

For Hazel, taking the advice of Speedwell Campion had

decided to build her business on the basis of quality,

matching or bettering the industry best. Consequently, her

starting point for the meat side of her business began with

looking at the records of the breeder's rabbitry to see the

quality of the stock by:

1. Average litter size (8 or more)

2. Death rate (not over 5%)

3. Percent conception (90% or better)

4. Weight of litters at 4 weeks (total 10 lb)
5. Average weight of fryer

a. 4-lb at 8 weeks if left with doe

b. 4-lb at 9 weeks if weaned at 4 weeks

6. Dressing percentage (55-60% including heart, liver and

kidneys)

7. Feed to produce a 4-lb fryer (under 15 lb)