The Altex (/ˈɔːltɛks/ AWL-teks) is a commercial breed of domestic rabbit developed, beginning in 1994, for cuniculture, specifically for the rabbit meat industry.[1] The Altex breed is not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)[2][3] or by the British Rabbit Council (BRC).[4][5]
The name Altex refers to this breed's initial development at Alabama A&M University and at Texas A&M University–Kingsville. The breed was developed from Flemish Giant, Champagne d'Argent, and Californian stock.[1] Altex rabbits are a "Terminal Sire" rabbit and are bred for quick weight gain, as opposed to high weight gain. Bucks are bred to New Zealand does and the resulting litter go to market, on average, on week earlier than New Zealand fryers. [6]
Altex rabbits typically weigh 13 pounds and have coat markings similar to the Californian rabbit: white with dark points on the extremities.[7]
See also
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References
edit- ^ a b Lukefahr, Steven D. (Sep–Oct 1996). "Development of a New Commercial Sire Breed: The Altex". Domestic Rabbits. 24 (5). American Rabbit Breeders Association: 20–21. Archived from the original on 16 January 2002.
- ^ "Official ARBA website". American Rabbit Breeders Association. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ Standard of Perfection 2021-2025. American Rabbit Breeders Association. 2021. ASIN B08QG6242B.
- ^ "Official BRC website". The British Rabbit Council. Archived from the original on 25 October 2005. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
- ^ "Breed Standards 2021-2025" (PDF). British Rabbit Council. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ Whitman, Bob D. (2004). Domestic rabbits & their histories: breeds of the world. Leawood, KS: Leathers Pub. ISBN 978-1-58597-275-3.
- ^ "The Rabbit Breeding & Teaching Program at TAMUK". Texas A&M University–Kingsville. 12 September 2016. Archived from the original on 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
External links
edit- Medellin, M. F.; Lukefahr. S. D. (May 2001). "Breed and heterotic effects on postweaning traits in Altex and New Zealand White straightbred and crossbred rabbits". Journal of Animal Science. 79 (5): 1173–8. doi:10.2527/2001.7951173x. PMID 11374536.
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