A Little History of Tamuk Rabbits

    TAMUK NZW trace their origins to the Texas Agricultural Extension Center at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Here, Dr. Steven D. Lukefahr, a retired Regents Professor of the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, spearheaded their development during the mid-1980s. Driven by the ambition to create the ultimate commercial breed, he embarked on a crossbreeding journey involving commercial lines from Arkansas, Florida, and Louisiana.

     TAMUK Composites: Over 25 years ago, Dr. Lukefahr then began crossing different breeds for backyard meat production to feed his own family. Another objective was steady production. Yet another aim was choosing breeds that harbor major genes for coat color. As a result of crossing seven breeds over the years (in chronological order: New Zealand Red, Siamese Satin, Californian, New Zealand White, Dutch, Champagne d’Argent, Harlequin, and Havana), this composite breed now possesses all of the major genes for coat color.  Examples of colors in this population include agouti and black, blue, chocolate, and lilac, creme and opal, seal and Siamese, chinchilla, Himalayan and albino, and steel, harlequin (Japanese and magpie), and red. As a family activity, this color feature will hopefully pique the curiosity and active interest of children. Also, the skins can be tanned using the natural colors (without dyeing) and made into products that can be sold. Lastly, this population was recently crossed with the commercial NZW stock (TAMUK NZW) to infuse genes for production for vital traits such as fertility, litter size, milk production, and growth, while adding some additional hybrid vigor. It should also be pointed out that these rabbits are heat tolerant with adaptive characteristics that include long ears and thin fur coats. 

TAMUK Recognition

It’s important to note that TAMUK NZW and TAMUK Composites, despite their exceptional qualities, remain unrecognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). This lack of recognition renders them ineligible for participation in ARBA-sponsored shows.   In some states they are shown under the category of meat rabbits. Check with your local organizations.

All info by: Rabbit Research, Dr Lukefahr