Program

New and Emerging Animal Industries

Research Organisation

Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company

Objective Summary

Establishment of the 120 doe Crusader herd at Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company (SMGRC) facility at Bredbo NSW. Database of information updated weekly as per protocols to support research and development for genetic improvement in the meat rabbitindustry. Improved Crusader breeding stock through the conduct of a selection program based on estimation of estimated breeding values (EBVs) index ranking of animals and appropriate mate allocation as per protocols provided by CSIRO. Crusader rabbitsbeing used in industry and contributing to improvements in farmers’ profits through the regular sale of breeding stock. High industry awareness of the availability and benefits of Crusader stock by promotion at field days and in the media. Recommendations for industry on improved management options for rabbit farmers in the first instance recommendations of kit boxes for improved kitten survival. Crusader taking a facilitative role in the establishment of a national meat rabbit genetic evaluation program by assisting in genetically linking rabbit herds by purchasing and swapping of stock