New Zealand White (Rabbit) — FarmPal

The gold standard of meat rabbits worldwide. Fast growth, excellent feed conversion, large litters, and docile temperament. White fur also has commercial value. The breed most commercial rabbitries are built on.

Origin
United States
Conservation Status
common

Traits

9-12 lbs mature
Fast growth (8 weeks to fryer)
Large litters (8-12)
Docile
White fur
Excellent mothers

✓ Pros

  • •Best feed-to-meat conversion
  • •Consistent large litters
  • •Widely available
  • •Calm temperament
  • •Fryer weight in 8 weeks

✗ Cons

  • •Albino appearance not everyone's favorite
  • •Can overheat in hot climates
  • •Less foraging instinct than heritage breeds

Housing Requirements

Space
Wire cage: minimum 30" × 36" per doe, 24" × 30" per buck. Colony: 4-6 sq ft per rabbit minimum. Pasture tractor: 4-8 sq ft per rabbit.
Fencing
Wire cages: 14-gauge welded wire with 1" × 1/2" floor (or solid floor with bedding). Colony: buried wire or solid walls to prevent digging out. Predator protection is critical rabbits are prey animals.