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New Zealand rabbits are highly valued for meat production due to their rapid growth, excellent feed conversion, and high meat-to-bone ratio. They also make great pets thanks to their calm, docile, and social temperament, which is ideal for families and children. Additionally, they are used in research and the fur industry because their white fur is easy to dye.
New Zealand rabbits typically weigh between 9 to 12 pounds (4 to 5.4 kg), with females usually slightly larger than males.
Despite the name, New Zealand rabbits actually originated in California, United States. The breed was developed by crossing Flemish Giants, Golden Fawns, and Belgian Hares for meat production. The reason for calling them 'New Zealand' is unclear, but the name became widely accepted, especially for the white variety.
The New Zealand rabbit breed is not native to New Zealand and originated in the USA. There is no specific information on native or domestic rabbit breeds currently found in New Zealand from available sources.
