Selection/New Zealand Red

[xlt]

Alright, I know that the reds are smaller than the blacks and whites...BUT... is it reasonable to think that the gap can be bridged somewhat for the ten week fryer weight between them? Not really concerned about ultimate size, though I guess it's connected in most cases. :?: :?: :?:

I love the color of my NZR doe that I just got, but she is quite a bit smaller. I want to keep the color, but not at the expense of huge amounts of meat production.

 

[rabbitgeek]

NZ Red Rios Salem, Intermediate Doe (6/8)

Here's a trio of Rios Reds, a buck and two does, all born at our house.

3 Bucks we bought for our rabbit project: Big Daddy (Black), Johnny (White), Snavely Buck (red)

My lovely wife used to raise NZs for meat and show. The reds tend to be smaller than the other colors, which is actually closer to the original body type of the NZ, but they can compete with blacks and reds on muscle tone and conformance.

The reds are the original NZ color. You can grow them as big as you want. The genes are there.

Have a good day!

 

[ottersatin]

I have never heard tha fable that: Red Newzealands
are smaller than any of the other color varieties.
The smaller size would have to do with Genetics.
Through proper breeding choices you should be able
to bring the size back to where it belongs.
If Does are Bred too early it will stunt their growth,
if they are fed an improper/unbalanced diet,
that too would stunt their growth.
I would just keep working with them and
cull those that don't make size/senior weight
by the time they are eight months old.
Through proper Culling techniques you will
bring your rabbits back up to the size required for the breed.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[longtail]

In the absence of selection pressure for size, any variety can diminish in size.It is actually a problem in all varieties. The problem with selecting only for size is that as they get bigger typw will suffer. The too small are easier to keep good type on.
Sop what I think is: retain only those which are larger than average from litters which all average at or above minimal weights.
select only those with the best type. use typey bucks on large does. I think using large bucks on smaller does makes too much bone. Does influence the size miore than the males. . Grow your does up fast and breed them at 41/2 months or 8 pounds.

Reds do seem to have a size problem and even in NZ publications size is a common subject. But it should be easily overcome by good breeding.