<P> The Blue New Zealand rabbit is recognized in British Rabbit Club and United Kingdom . ARBA has recognized blue New Zealands since late 2016 . When shown in competition they are judged primarily on body type . </P> <P> New Zealand rabbits were not bred to be a domestic pet . Instead they were bred for their excellent fur and meat . Fryers are slaughtered at 8 - 12 weeks and older rabbits are sold as roasters . White rabbits are preferred for fur, because it's easier to dye . The rabbits with high grades of fur are used to make fur coats and fur trimmings . The lower grades are used to make felt hats and glove linings ("Commercial Rabbit Raising"). The New Zealand is an excellent meat rabbit with a high feed to meat ratio with fine bones . New Zealand white rabbits are the number one meat rabbit in the United States (Bare 63 - 65). Production rabbits are fed more protein (18 - 20% rather than the typical 16 - 18% for non-production rabbits), and sometimes alfalfa hay . </P> <P> Along with commercial purposes, New Zealand White rabbits are also used for laboratory purposes . Rabbits react similarly to humans to diseases and medications . This reaction allows them to be used at pharmaceutical laboratories, the U.S. Public Health building, cancer research centers, and university hospitals . New Zealand white rabbits have been used to develop tests and drugs for diseases like diabetes, diphtheria, tuberculosis, cancer, and heart disease . The effects of skin creams, cosmetics, special diets, and food additives have also been tested on New Zealand white rabbits . (Bare 63 - 65) </P> <P> A doe (female rabbit) becomes fertile between 8 - 12 weeks of age and can be safely bred at 16 - 17 weeks of age . Breeding before this age can cause harm or death to the doe and / or kits . Does are fertile all year long although day length can affect that some . The gestation period is around 28--35 days, although most will kindle (give birth) at 31 - 32 days . A nest box should be provided for the new mother two to five days prior to the expected kindling date . The doe will pull fur from her abdomen and dewlap and along with hay or other materials provided she will create a nest . The young are born hairless, deaf, and blind . Fur begins to grow in by day 3 to 5 and after 7 to 10 days the kits' eyes will open by 2 weeks they may begin exploring and sampling outside food sources . At the age of three to four weeks their mother will begin to wean them off milk, meanwhile the kits will switch to eating hay and pellets . The average number of bunnies per litter is seven but commonly range from one to fourteen . Because rabbits are induced ovulators a doe can become pregnant by the simple act of mating if conditions are right . A doe can get pregnant within 24 hours after giving birth . </P>

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