User:Celeste Opperman/sandbox/SA Phendula

Article name is...SA Phendula

= SA Phendula Rabbit = From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The SA Phendula Rabbit is a commercial breed of rabbit, which was developed in South Africa. It was developed to specifically cope with the high temperatures and poor quality forage found in the country. The breed originated in Gauteng, where several breeders were trying to produce a good quality rabbit by crossing Flemish Giant with other breeds. The SA Phendula are available in four colors recognized by the Gauteng Rabbit Breeders Association (GRBA): chestnut agouti, black, silver and gold tipped Steel. They average 4 - 5kg (8 - 11 lb) with the does being slightly larger than the bucks. SA Phendula are bred mostly for meat and is the only recognized commercial breed that is allowed in Steel colors. They are friendly and generally easy to work with.

Contents

 * 1 Physiology
 * [SA Phendula#In%20shows|1.1 In shows]]
 * 2 Origin
 * 3 Commercial use
 * 4 Breeding
 * 5 See also
 * 6 References
 * 7 External links

Physiology
The SA Phendula is a land race rabbit that has been bred to survive the South African climate.

SA Phendula rabbits are commercial shaped rabbits which are relatively long, with an excellent fillet. The ears are upright and very large. Fur is of extremely silky, shiny and of normal length. Preference is given to a fly back coat. They have thinner skin than comparable commercial rabbits.

SA Phendula are medium rabbits. Does weigh 9–11.5 lb (4.2–5.2 kg). Female rabbits may have a dewlap. Bucks weigh 8.8–11 lb (4.0–5.0 kg).

In shows
The SA Phendula have become more popular in shows as the breed has grown. The SA Phendula has it's own breed standard to which all rabbits are judged. It is the only commercial rabbit which is allowed in the Steel color in South Africa.

Origin
SA Phendula rabbits were developed by combining breeds, which included Flemish Giant, Chinchilla Giganta, New Zealand Red and black and other crossbreeds. They were specifically selected to have the coloring of a wild rabbit and thrive on the sparse and poor quality natural forage found in South Africa. Their main purpose is for meat production.

A comparative study has been done between New Zealand White rabbits and SA Phendula and they were found to be very similar in meat production.

The SA Phendula has also been selected for a thinner skin as it cools down easier and large ears to help with circulation.

Commercial use
The SA Phendula has been bred to be an alternative meat source for families. It's pelt is also of sufficient quality that it can be used in a commercial environment.

Breeding
A doe (female rabbit) will become fertile between 18-20 weeks and can produce between 6-10 kits in a breeding cycle.