Hi Glen-
Why reinvent the wheel when there has been plenty of work done by others before you?
Check out the American Rabbit Breeders website (
https://www.arba.net/breeds.htm) for breed info.
Go check out a rabbit show near you and talk to different people that have the different breeds!
You can get good stock at shows for a nice price- A rabbit past its show prime, or with a disqualification could be quite a bargain!
Focusing on raising a specific breed for your needs adds value to your efforts by efficiency over time (genetic results more consistent),
resale value of stock(Pedigrees and performance), and you can even help save an endangered breed from extinction!
Fits in with the "Obtain a yield"
permie principle.
We have always had rabbits for composting and began showing almost 10 years ago with Lilac breed rabbits and 2 yrs ago with Blanc
de Hotots.
Feeding Homestead style/traditionally with minimal processed pellets for regenerative agriculture has made our
land prosperous!
I don't eat rabbit, but my dog does occasionally, or we donate to the
local wildlife rehab.
Hope this info helps- Juju