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Rabbit production is developing into a significant agricultural enterprise in the United States (Fig. 1.1). It is also relatively important in several European countries, such as France, Spain, and Italy, where rabbit is regarded as a gourmet meat, and is expanding is several other countries around the world. In China, the Angora rabbit is raised for its wool which is exported to other countries for production of high quality luxury garments. Rabbit pelts are used in making fur coats and toys. In addition to being raised commercially for meat, wool, and fur, rabbits are also produced in large numbers for laboratory use. They are particularly useful in certain types of medical research. Many people in the United States raise rabbits for show or exhibition purposes and enjoy the challenge of breeding animals that possess traits that best exemplify the standards of a particular breed. Others keep rabbits simply as pets. Whatever one’s motivation for keeping rabbits, information on nutrition, diseases, breeding, and management is useful for attaining an end product of healthy, well-nourished, productive animals.

Fig. 1.1. A productive doe and her litter. Because of their high reproductive capacity and high growth rate, rabbits are among the most productive of domestic livestock. (Courtesy of P.R. Cheeke)