What does "live weight" refer to in terms of rabbit market readiness?

"Live weight" refers to the weight of the rabbit before any processing or dressing occurs. This measurement is critical in the rabbit market as it provides an indication of the animal’s total body mass and is used to assess its overall health and market readiness. Understanding live weight is essential for breeders and sellers since it allows them to compare the weights of different rabbits and determine their potential value in the marketplace.

In contrast, dressing weight, which pertains to the weight of the rabbit after it has been processed (removal of fur, organs, etc.), is a different metric that reflects the actual meat yield. The weight of pregnant rabbits and the weight after feeding do not represent the live weight accurately, as they either include additional factors not related to market readiness or refer to specific conditions that may alter the weight measurement.