Small Scale Breding Program

[andyva]

I'm trying to visualize how to keep genetics viable on a small scale rabbitry. Two pairs, two breeds. Obviously keeping a daughter would be in order. I could turn out meat rabbits for a long time like this.People purchasing breeding stock would probably not be advised to buy a brother sister pair.

My first question, would keeping a buck and breeding back to the original female produce good offspring to cross on sire/daughter offspring, or would this get too tight, too quick?
Second, when you bring in new stock, (which we would be doing after a while) do most people get a buck or doe? (Maybe another pair would be best)?
Sounds like most people start with a trio, but that would limit us to only one breed right now. How tight is "tight" when it comes to a breeding program? Hopefully someone can give some hypothetical models of a breeding program, or maybe a link to one.

I'm sure we are not the first to have to travel several hours in any direction to find breeding stock without an abundance in the "rabbit piggy bank".

 

[Dood]

Inbreeding in rabbits is not particularly detrimental, the worst effect would likely be reduced fertility. If you are breeding for meat you can breed very closely without problems in grow out rates. I get the same results with brother sister litters as with ones who had unrelated parents.

Usually a new buck is purchased since he can cover several does.

A doe can produce litters for many years so you can sell kits from your original pair as breeding stock and uses the father- daughter crosses for meat if you are concerned about selling related stock.

Some people don't mind closely related pairs or trios, I still bought my first 3 who were full and half siblings. I have an unrelated doe who I use to sell breeding stock and all other kits are for pets or the freezer.