ORONO — Officials with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension have released a bulletin to inform people interested in becoming backyard producers of meat rabbits.
Gary Anderson, a UMaine Extension animal and bio-sciences specialist, authored “Backyard Production of Meat Rabbits in Maine.” Topics in the 15-page bulletin include the Maine environment, breeds and selection, reproduction, health management, predator control, market outlets and promotions, dressing out a rabbit fryer and recipes. The popularity of raising domestic meat rabbits is growing in Maine, Anderson said, adding that benefits include nutritious food at a relatively low cost, potential for extra income and an educational experience for the family.
For more information, bulletin copies are available for $1.50 each and free downloads are available from UMaine Extension Publication Catalog, extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/; or call the UMaine Extension Publications Office, 581-3792 or email extension.orders@maine.edu.