Rabbit Breeding

Line Breeding is not nearly as complicated as you might reflect, it is a thought that extends to all kinds of animals, from cats to horses, pigs to rabbits. The basic thought never changes.

Line Breeding is the process of breeding “like with like”. That means that the rabbits the line breeder uses all come from the same family line, and have similar all around genetic makeups.

Line Breeding allows the rabbit breeder, professional or hobbyist, to produce a feature line of animals in a relatively small amount of time.

The Dangers of a Line Breeding Program

The largest problem with line breeding is that it will intensify all of the genes, excellent or terrible. Starting a line breeding program with feature rabbit stock is essential.

Purchasing rabbits from online breeders is becoming more common these days, but previous to an aspiring rabbit farmer does so, he or she must remember, without seeing the animal in person, and being given the chance to examine them, they cannot be sure that they are going to get what they pay for.

A smart consumer will question other rabbit breeders for recommendations for a reputable site that they have used successfully.

Take the Time to Educate Yourself

In the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association Handbook, a must read for any aspiring rabbit breeder, there is a standardized chart which clearly lays down the best way to breed a line of related rabbits, and it spans six generations.

The diagram starts with the initially selected buck and doe and moves through all the possible relative to relative breeding combinations.
Genetic weaknesses do occur in line bred rabbits, and it is not out of the inquiry for a breeder to introduce an unrelated animal or two to an established line to attempt to right specific defects.

Learning the very basics at least in this area rabbit genetics as they might apply to the selected breed can be very helpful to beginner.