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Belgian Rabbit (also known as the Giant Grey Rabbit, Flemish Giant)

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Breed characteristics: This breed is a relatively old large meat breed. It originated from the wild European rabbit in Belgium and was later improved and developed in England. Its body shape and appearance closely resemble the wild hare, with coat color in dark red with yellowish-brown or sesame (agouti) shades, a large body, and long body and limbs. The eyes are dark brown, the ears are large, long, and erect, with bright black fur edging along the ear rims. The coat texture is tough. Adult weight is 5-6 kg, with a maximum of up to 9 kg. During the kit and young rabbit stage, growth and development are fast; at 6 weeks of age, weight can reach 1.2-1.3 kg, and at 3 months of age, weight can reach 2.8-3.

Breed characteristics: This breed is a relatively old large meat breed. It originated from the wild European rabbit in Belgium and was later improved and developed in England. Its body shape and appearance closely resemble the wild hare, with coat color in dark red with yellowish-brown or sesame (agouti) shades, a large body, and long body and limbs. The eyes are dark brown, the ears are large, long, and erect, with bright black fur edging along the ear rims. The coat texture is tough. Adult weight is 5-6 kg, with a maximum of up to 9 kg. During the kit and young rabbit stage, growth and development are fast; at 6 weeks of age, weight can reach 1.2-1.3 kg, and at 3 months of age, weight can reach 2.8-3.2 kg. It has strong adaptability, disease resistance, and tolerance to coarse feed, and strong reproductive capacity, breeding 4-5 litters per year, with an average of 7-8 kits per litter, high milk yield, and uniform growth and development of kits. The carcass is large, with a dressing percentage above 52%. It is an excellent large meat breed. When this rabbit is crossbred with New Zealand White rabbits and Californian rabbits to produce commercial meat rabbits, ideal heterosis can be obtained.

Disadvantages: The non-pregnant period is relatively long in summer. Under cage-rearing conditions, more rabbits suffer from foot dermatitis and mastitis.

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