New Zealand White
Новозеландська біла
Meat
Dual-purpose
Recognition:
ARBA
BRC
Originated in the United States around 1912, with the white variety recognized in 1925. Developed as a specialized meat breed and remains the industry standard globally.
Quick facts
- Size group
- Medium
- Purpose
- Meat
- Buck weight
- 4.1–4.99 kg
- Doe weight
- 4.5–5.4 kg
- Adult weight
- 4.5 kg
- Litter (avg)
- 8 kits
- Litter range
- 7–12
- Meat yield
- 60%
- Slaughter age
- 12 weeks
- Lifespan
- 7–10 years
- Coat
- normal
- Body type
- commercial
- Ears
- erect
- Origin
- US · California
- Recognised
- 1916
Colours
white
Temperament
calm
docile
Notable facts
Most-farmed meat breed worldwide; the white pelt is highly valued because it can be dyed to any colour for the fur industry.
Breeding recommendations
- Optimal mature weight 4.0–5.0 kg before first mating (≥80% of adult weight at 4–5 months).
- Wean at 28–35 days (kit weight ≥550 g) for maximum growth efficiency.
- Doe-to-buck ratio 8–10 does per buck under intensive systems.
- Slaughter at 70–90 days for 2.3–2.5 kg carcass weight.
- Avoid overfeeding young does pre-mating — fat reserves cause fertility problems.
