Program

New and Emerging Animal Industries

Research Organisation

CSIRO

Objective Summary

Outcomes and deliverables of the proposed research in conjunction with RIRDC’s project with Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company . Leading edge genetic improvement program for meat rabbits incorporating innovative and new traits that impact on farmerprofitability such as disease resistance doe health and longevity and homogeneity of kit weights. . Establishment of the 120 doe Crusader herd at Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company (SMGRC) facility at Bredbo NSW so that it is running on a weekly management cycle of mating kindling weaning and data collection consistent with protocols provided by CSIRO. . Database of information updated weekly as per protocols to support research and development for genetic improvement in the meat rabbit industry. . 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 rabbits being 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 on kit boxes for improved kitten survival. . The establishment of a national meat rabbit genetic evaluation program with Crusader actingas hub to provide genetic linkage between breeding herds.