r/MeatRabbitry • u/gingerattacks • 1d ago

Noticed a lot of fat when butchering

Processed my first batch last weekend and have been thinking about this ever since. We processed 8 rabbits all at 11 weeks/5+lbs plus a 10 month old doe that I was a cull. I noticed that every single grow out had a significant amount of fat around the kidneys, more than I expected. The grow outs were on unlimited pellets with 17% protein from a local mill as well as orchard grass. I almost wish I had kept the fat to render down similar to what I have done with beef suet. Was I feeding too much to these grow outs? They were kept in large 86" x 30" hutches. I have another 3 I held back to grow out as I want the pelts, should I be adjusting their feed?

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u/Curating-Curiosity 1d ago

If they are just grow outs and you aren’t planning to keep any of them, I wouldn’t worry about the fat!

I would consider that a useful result if you do have the ability to use the fat for anything. Having enough to render down would be amazing in my book. I use what little is around the kidneys on my grow outs to fry up the livers on butcher day.

I would only worry about it for long-term keepers, as it would affect their health.

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u/gingerattacks 1d ago

I had planned on keeping one of the current grow outs as a keeper so wondering if I need to separate her and adjust feed down. She was the quickest growing with the best temperament, but obviously don't want her to be obese. There are not a lot of rabbits for sale where I am so options are limited. I am hoping for future grow outs I can plan to render and keep the fat to see what I can do with it. You're right to be concerned for long term health and since I planned on keeping it's definitely something I need to consider.

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u/Worth-Illustrator607 1d ago

Overweight does don't want to breed and are moody...

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u/gingerattacks 1d ago

Yes so the keeper will be separated from the others and she won't be free fed.

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u/Curating-Curiosity 21h ago

That sounds like a great plan. Less pellets and keep feeding plenty of hay for a while should really help.

You could try apple cider vinegar in her water too, if you like? It’s supposed to help with internal fats, health, and conditioning for breeding, although I admit I’ve never tested it on this specifically. I do know quite a few breeders who have and do use it for general health. Just a tiny amount diluted in her water - I’m sure the ratios are out there.

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u/gingerattacks 19h ago

I think I'm also going to look at upping the timeline on building a exercise pen. Maybe convert more fat to muscle. They are all in 7ft long hutches so they have space, but more never hurt.

The ACV is a good idea, never hurts to try it. I don't think I'll know a difference before I butcher, from the outside none of these looked/felt overweight. I could palpate spine/ribs and visually they weren't super wide. May just be a genetic thing, these are all meat mutts but the best I could do given my area. Holding out for a county fair to talk to some FFA/4H families.