An Overview Of MARBA
By Tom Seest
What Is the Malaysian Rabbit Breeders Association?
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Table Of Contents
What is MARBA?
The Malaysian Rabbit Breeders Association (MARBA) is an organization that represents rabbit farmers throughout Malaysia. Members of the organization attend various events that promote the rabbit as sustainable livestock for development. The organization also organizes international conferences. A recent event was held in Kuala Lumpur where a seminar was held on rabbit production in tropical climates.
The Malaysian Rabbit Breeders Association was founded in 2009. Its charter number is G0893 and it is registered under registration number 2418-10-SEL. The MARBA is a non-profit organization that promotes the welfare of rabbits.
Beh obtained his Bachelor of Science (Bioindustry) degree from the University Putra Malaysia. He majored in animal science and developed an interest in rabbits while studying. Currently, Beh is a master in animal nutrition and disease and is well-versed in farming management and rabbit husbandry. He opened his own rabbitry in 2006 and is a founding member of the MARBA.
The MARBA is a national organization for rabbit breeders. Currently, Malaysia has over 100 registered rabbit breeders. They have a list of standards for purebred rabbits. This association is responsible for ensuring that breeders maintain high standards and quality in their rabbits. The organization aims to create awareness among local rabbit enthusiasts.
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Are Jersey Woolies a Rabbit Breed?
The Jersey Wooly rabbit breed has an easygoing temperament and a beautiful wool coat. The breed was developed by Bonnie Seeley in New Jersey in the 1980s. She bred it with the intent to create a small pet rabbit that would be easy to care for. Since then, it has become one of the most popular rabbit breeds.
The Jersey Wooly was introduced at the 1984 ARBA Convention in Orlando. It is a cross between the French Angora and the Netherland Dwarf. Seeley selected only the most docile animals for breeding. She aimed to create a small breed that could maintain its short and fine wool without much grooming. The breed was recognized by the ARBA in 1988. Today, Jersey Wooly rabbits are shown in several classes based on color. The breed has six color groups.
The Jersey Wooly rabbit is less expensive than other Angora breeds. They weigh around 3 pounds and are great pets for children and adults alike. They are available across the United States. Prices range from $40 to $75 for show-quality rabbits. They are an ideal choice for homes with young children because they are easy to handle.
Jersey Woolies are easy to house and litter-train. They are best kept indoors in an indoor pen. However, you may choose to bring them outdoors in a playpen or large dog crate. They enjoy cuddling and playing with rabbit-safe toys. They need a diet high in dark green veggies and fruit snacks. It is best to give them small amounts of each type, not too much or too little.
Jersey Woolies live from seven to ten years. This breed of rabbit is prone to ear infections and hairballs. Some Jersey Woolies also suffer from respiratory disease and urinary bladder stones. They should be spayed or neutered at a young age to increase their lifespan.
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Do The Shiners Work With the Harlequin Breed of Rabbit?
Madison Shiner has been showing horses since she was five years old and has enjoyed success at multiple levels of competition. However, in 2013, she decided to turn her focus to rabbits. She had kept a few rabbits as pets and had heard about rabbit competitions. She quickly learned how to replicate her horse show successes in rabbits and now raises two breeds of rabbits.
Shiner raises both Japanese and New Zealand varieties of Harlequins. While both have a white or orange base color, the Japanese Harlequins have a mottled coat that looks like that of a calico cat. As a result, it’s important for Harlequins to have clean-cut colors and markings. The New Zealand variety, on the other hand, is primarily raised for meat and is judged on body structure and meat quality.
The ARBA standard for the breed says that the body should be medium-length. A good way to judge the correct body type is to feel the animals. When you feel the body, you can assess whether or not they have flaws that should be corrected. For example, a crooked tail is an indication of a breeding problem that needs to be corrected.
Harlequin markings are somewhat unstable and can be passed on to subsequent generations, so breeders should always select bucks and does with clean markings. The goal is to have a herd with desirable medium markings. Otherwise, undesirable characteristics like genetic defects and poor color can build up in the herd and result in a less desirable product.
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