Altex "The Terminal King"

[lissapell]

OK can anyone tell me about this type of rabbit? My current understanding is a terminal king gives big meat rabbits but you cant breed back the kits. The breeder I am getting my rabbits from is selling these as well.

 

[3mina]

Alex are/were used in large commercial rabbitries as terminal sires bred to NZW or Californian does for fast growing meaty fryers. For home production I'm not certain the outlay for a buck would be cost effective but Altex aren't really seen where I am either.
Also Altex aren't just a NZ/Cal cross either, there's 30+ generations of breeding behind the actual Altex which comes from, I think, Texas A&M University. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong please.
Yes, breeding back the young negates the hybrid vigor Altex are known for so you'd need to keep a second buck to breed replacement does which is part of the reason I said the outlay might not be cost effective.

 

[Secuono]

Yea, I read the Texas A&M University created the Altex, it's own unique terminal sire breed.

 

[skysthelimit]

People say they have altex, make sure that stock goes back to TX A&M

 

[lissapell]

Our lines our Seelys Ark and Chigger Ridge this is what the ad says about the altex. They are selling then for 25.00 each.

so how does the breeding come up with the terminal sire? Would they get larger than a SF/nzw fryer at the same age? Would offspring from him breed to a different bred continue to produce the same vigor? If these are true Terminal sires they are less than the going price of any of the other breeds I have looked into. She does stipulate that they normally sell for a higher price.

__________ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:07 pm __________

Would there be a preference between buck or doe?

__________ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:17 pm __________

is there a posted dress out weight anywhere?<br /><br />__________ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:18 pm __________<br /><br />I guess I mean %

 

[skysthelimit]

Altex are bred to each other, and Bucks only are sold as sires only, they are suppose to dress out higher than a nzw or cal, not sure how the compare to the SF. I would think that one of the reasons they might be less, is because you can only use them as a hybrid cross, they are useless to build stock with.

 

[lissapell]

if they are breed to each other would the results be just as well w/ 2 altex or would it diminish the vigor?

 

[AnnClaire]

OK, here's the concept behind the "Terminal" Altex sire ... by breeding him with a NZ or Cali doe, the offspring will provide a better growout and termination weight than a standard NZxNZ or a CaliXCali kit. These Altex are also bred to perform during summer heat and are more thinly furred than other rabbits, therefor their pelts and their offspring's pelts are not market grade.

Using the Altex is to provide a better butcher kit than the individual breed normally provides when bred within the pedigree.

I am also not sure if the Altex cross kits qualify for meat pen in 4H or county fairs that require a pedigreed meat pen. Would want to check your state rules before offering those kits to 4H/fair meat pen kids.

 

[OneAcreFarm]

Our lines our Seelys Ark and Chigger Ridge this is what the ad says about the altex. They are selling then for 25.00 each.

Seely's Ark and Chigger Ridge both got their Altex from A&M, but, for that price, I would make sure that they are PURE Altex and that they are not selling Altex crosses

so how does the breeding come up with the terminal sire?

The Altex buck IS the terminal sire, meaning that none of his offspring are kept for breeding, they are all used for meat

Would they get larger than a SF/nzw fryer at the same age?

Kits from an Altex buck and Cali, NZW or Cali/NZW cross doe will typically reach butcher weight a week sooner than a typical Cal, NZW, or Cal/NZW cross.

Would offspring from him breed to a different bred continue to produce the same vigor? If these are true Terminal sires they are less than the going price of any of the other breeds I have looked into. She does stipulate that they normally sell for a higher price.

No, you don't keep any of the offspring for breeding. That is why the Altex buck is called a Terminal Sire.

__________ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:07 pm __________

Would there be a preference between buck or doe?

You need an Altex buck, unless you want to breed your own Altex, in which case you need one of each. Altex does are mediocre mothers and it is best to foster their kits to a Cal or NZW after birth.

__________ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:17 pm __________

is there a posted dress out weight anywhere?

It is not so much that they are bigger, it is that they reach butcher weight (5lbs) a week sooner than is typically seen.

__________ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:18 pm __________

I guess I mean %

The dress out % will be comparable to a Cal, NZW or Cal/NZW cross. Keep in mind, that the Altex is not a magic rabbit that will drastically improve your results when bred to sub-par does. Hybrid vigor only goes so far. You need to have good solid, meaty does to breed them to as well. Here is a link to the TAMUK website about Altex...I would ask to see pedigrees showing that the rabbit is descended from TAMUK stock....or at least Seely's Ark and Chigger Ridge. Lots of folks out there making "backyard Altex" by copying the mix and selling first and second generation rabbits. The Altex breed itself was produced by selecting for specific traits over 30+ generations.

 

[lissapell]

Thanks for answering all my questions! You guys are great. What I am trying to figure out is if the Altex would provide me with a higher dress % in terms of meat to bone ratio than the silver fox would. I have been reading a lot about them but it appears there is not much to compare to on that side. I read from the professors work, they took 1-2 from each litter to weight bone to meat ratios but I can not find what the results were. It might be something I would have to breed for and do my own comparison. I suppose he might be an option if I can find space for another buck.
I emailed the professor.<br /><br />__________ Fri Nov 16, 2012 11:45 am __________<br /><br />

OK, here's the concept behind the "Terminal" Altex sire ... by breeding him with a NZ or Cali doe, the offspring will provide a better growout and termination weight than a standard NZxNZ or a CaliXCali kit. These Altex are also bred to perform during summer heat and are more thinly furred than other rabbits, therefor their pelts and their offspring's pelts are not market grade.

Using the Altex is to provide a better butcher kit than the individual breed normally provides when bred within the pedigree.

I am also not sure if the Altex cross kits qualify for meat pen in 4H or county fairs that require a pedigreed meat pen. Would want to check your state rules before offering those kits to 4H/fair meat pen kids.

this would be the deal breaker for me then. My hubs wanted SF rabbits for the pelt. Thanks so much!

 

[OneAcreFarm]

Thanks for answering all my questions! You guys are great. What I am trying to figure out is if the Altex would provide me with a higher dress % in terms of meat to bone ratio than the silver fox would.

No, they only grow out faster....SF is still going to have a better dress out %.

 

[maniacmama]

This is interesting - In all my dilemma earlier this month, which OneAcreFarm rescued me. I had come across the Altex. but hadn't paid it any heed as I thought something like that would be unattainable for the personal meat use backyard breeder.

My curiosity is peeked regarding the fur/coat. Our last breeding is in March and not again until October due to Texas heat. Our first two litters were born the first week in June 2011 and we lost 5 of the 12 kits due to heat, although we bought them inside when the 90 degree mark was reached. We would love to have at least 1 more breeding before the buck goes sterile and a subsequent harvest before breeding in Oct.

Would the Altex sired kits survive the Texas heat?
Can this be the answer to an additional litter early summer with an additional harvest of the complete litters in Sept.?

If the answer to these questions is yes... then I would think it would be worth the additional cost to obtain an Altex buck. I get even more giddier with excitement as I dream the possibility that the buck will be able to breed, due to a lighter weight coat, in September or dare I dream further to have him breed in August?

If the response to my questions sheds new opportunities as a result of obtaining an Altex buck... Then I plan to pursue this further and add another breeding trio to my current trio!

sharon

 

[OneAcreFarm]

This is interesting - In all my dilemma earlier this month, which OneAcreFarm rescued me. I had come across the Altex. but hadn't paid it any heed as I thought something like that would be unattainable for the personal meat use backyard breeder.

My curiosity is peeked regarding the fur/coat. Our last breeding is in March and not again until October due to Texas heat. Our first two litters were born the first week in June 2011 and we lost 5 of the 12 kits due to heat, although we bought them inside when the 90 degree mark was reached. We would love to have at least 1 more breeding before the buck goes sterile and a subsequent harvest before breeding in Oct.

Would the Altex sired kits survive the Texas heat?
Can this be the answer to an additional litter early summer with an additional harvest of the complete litters in Sept.?

If the answer to these questions is yes... then I would think it would be worth the additional cost to obtain an Altex buck. I get even more giddier with excitement as I dream the possibility that the buck will be able to breed, due to a lighter weight coat, in September or dare I dream further to have him breed in August?

If the response to my questions sheds new opportunities as a result of obtaining an Altex buck... Then I plan to pursue this further and add another breeding trio to my current trio!

sharon

Sharon,

I have NZW from TAMUK (which is where the Altex come from) and they did extremely well all summer long, right thru the heat. I had to foster my Cal kits to them, as the Cal does did not milk well in the heat. The NZW from TAMUK bred all summer long....and the trick to keeping a buck going is to keep a buck from a Nov or December litter to use for breeding. The heat tends to not affect the younger ones as much. It is very hard to find ACTUAL Altex, since TAMUK stopped breeding them. The only reputable couple of places I know of are Seely's Ark in Florida and Chigger Ridge in Tennessee.

 

[lissapell]

This is interesting - In all my dilemma earlier this month, which OneAcreFarm rescued me. I had come across the Altex. but hadn't paid it any heed as I thought something like that would be unattainable for the personal meat use backyard breeder.

My curiosity is peeked regarding the fur/coat. Our last breeding is in March and not again until October due to Texas heat. Our first two litters were born the first week in June 2011 and we lost 5 of the 12 kits due to heat, although we bought them inside when the 90 degree mark was reached. We would love to have at least 1 more breeding before the buck goes sterile and a subsequent harvest before breeding in Oct.

Would the Altex sired kits survive the Texas heat?
Can this be the answer to an additional litter early summer with an additional harvest of the complete litters in Sept.?

If the answer to these questions is yes... then I would think it would be worth the additional cost to obtain an Altex buck. I get even more giddier with excitement as I dream the possibility that the buck will be able to breed, due to a lighter weight coat, in September or dare I dream further to have him breed in August?

If the response to my questions sheds new opportunities as a result of obtaining an Altex buck... Then I plan to pursue this further and add another breeding trio to my current trio!

sharon

Tara is meetinga breeder from LA ahlfway from Pensacola Fl, if this helps you attain the Altex buck.....<br /><br />__________ Fri Nov 16, 2012 9:03 pm __________<br /><br />Pedigrees seem to be legit....

 

[AnnClaire]

Lissapell, yes, the SF are going to have a much nicer pelt ... as a discrete breed, the SF was developed with 2 goals in mind: 1) better dress out with short (8-10 week) growout, and 2)unique fur patterned like the wild Silver Fox. If you haven't had a chance yet, you really need to get your hands on a Silver Fox rabbit in winter pelt ... OMG, it is soooooooooo soft, beautifully silvered, about 1" long, and did I mention sooooooooo soft?

As for heat tolerance, that can be selected for and even if it takes 5-10 years to develop your own herd of summer breeders, you will still have winter breeding to give you meat for your freezer, show animals, and beautiful pelts.

Do consider this: fryer pelts (8-10 week old kits) generally don't have a sturdy skin and don't do well as fur pelts, but roasters (12-16 week old kits) and stewers (over 16 weeks) are sturdy enough and in the fall/winter will have a thicker pelt than a spring/summer pelt.

So, you may need to consider 2x the amount of breeders (if breeding fall/winter/spring only) to provide enough pelts for your husband's projects.

 

[maniacmama]

Sharon,

I have NZW from TAMUK (which is where the Altex come from) and they did extremely well all summer long, right thru the heat. I had to foster my Cal kits to them, as the Cal does did not milk well in the heat. The NZW from TAMUK bred all summer long....and the trick to keeping a buck going is to keep a buck from a Nov or December litter to use for breeding. The heat tends to not affect the younger ones as much. It is very hard to find ACTUAL Altex, since TAMUK stopped breeding them. The only reputable couple of places I know of are Seely's Ark in Florida and Chigger Ridge in Tennessee.

I will contact TAMUK. And I will use a buck from either my Nov/Dec litter.
:?: Does the breed matter?
:?: Are you referring to both does and bucks in your reply regarding NZW? At first I thought just does; but now I'm not sure. thought I should confirm.

@lissapell,
Thank you for the heads up on Tara. Believe me my wheels were turning to see if I could make that happen. But reality set in.

All - I am in the market for a second personal use meat trio and wish to choose carefully. I will be studying, calling around, and as usual stalking rabbit talk for information, and availability.

sharon

 

[mike17l]

When I was over there a few weeks ago, Dr. Lukeafar had a few NZW rabbits for sale, I think they were $35 if I remember right, and pretty sure they were former breeders, but could be wrong on that. All of their rabbits they keep in a non air conditioned barn, with out any fans, so all of their rabbits are very used to the south Texas heat. Send him an email, he may still have some of the NZWs.