“About 30 years ago, Dr. Lukefahr began crossing different breeds for backyard meat production to feed his own family. Another objective was steady production, which is enhanced by hybrid vigor due to crossbreeding. 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. Lastly, this population was recently crossed with our commercial Tamuk NZW line to infuse genes for production for vital traits such as fertility, litter size, milk production, and growth, while adding some additional hybrid vigor as a boost to performance. It should also be pointed out that these rabbits are heat tolerant with adaptive characteristics that include long ears and thin fur coats. However, an important point is that this breed better suited for small-scale backyard production. It is not a commercial breed.” - Excerpt from The Rabbit Research Center at Texas A&M - Kingsville, Web Archive Page
Since the program closure, there have been many further questions about TAMUK-C, this Q&A seeks to answer many of these questions and give additional insight into the TAMUK-C
Backyard Meat Rabbits and Cross Breeds
Heat Tolerance
Mothering Skills and Litter Size
Feed & Forage
Growth Rate
Temperament
Coat Color Genetics General Information
Phenotypes Unique physical colorings of TAMUK-C
Genotypes All combination of genotypes found in TAMUK-C
Q: How do I know a rabbit is a TAMUK-C?
A: There's no way to be sure, as they are ultimately a mixed breed, TAMUK-C exhibit a wide array of characteristics and phenotypes. Pedigree is the most sure way to know that a rabbit originated from the University. Even still, a rabbit with an intact pedigree may not exhibit all the TAMUK-C characteristics of the program. Rabbits bred and selected in the spirit of the program without a pedigree to the university could also be considered TAMUK-C by some. If a breeder cannot provide a pedigree to the University or to respected breeders of TAMUK-C, then it would be prudent to request records and statistics from the breeder that their rabbits exhibit the characteristics outlined in the breeding guidelines.
Q: If I cross a TAMUK-C with another breed of rabbit, is it still a TAMUK-C?
A: If you are selling the resulting rabbits, it would be ethical to disclose it as a cross bred rabbit. To most people looking for a TAMUK-C, this detail will matter. However, if the resulting rabbits continue to exhibit all the favorable characteristics of TAMUK-C, to some, it will still be considered TAMUK-C. It is best practice to keep pedigrees where known and keep statistical records that would otherwise prove TAMUK-C characteristics.
Q: Are TAMUK-C an ARBA recognized Breed?
A: No. ARBA recognition works on the standardization of physical characteristics of a rabbit breed for the show table. TAMUK-C were bred to be backyard meat rabbits, the characteristics that make them TAMUK-C are not able to be evaluated on a show table and can be subjective. It is not in the interest of the breed to have them conform to an ARBA standard as physical characteristics would be prioritized and the desirable qualities of the breed could be lost.
Q: Can a rabbit with the English Spotting Gene (Broken) be a TAMUK-C?
A: Unlikely, but not impossible. No broken rabbits were ever used in the breeding program at the University. Anyone selling a broken rabbit as TAMUK-C should provide pedigree proof. Otherwise, it is best to assume it was crossed at some point and the breeder should provide statistical records to prove TAMUK-C characteristics are intact. Note: The Vienna gene and Tan (at) was also not included in the original development of TAMUK-C. Satin, Wideband, Dutch marked, and Silvering are all possible and acceptable phenotypes.
Q: What about Sable and Seal?
A: “Pearl” rabbits were referenced as being produced early in the TAMUK-C line. Extensive test breeding from reputable TAMUK-C breeders has revealed that the c(chl) gene which is responsible for Sable/Pearl and Seal is likely not present in the TAMUK-C population. Those produced with a shaded pattern are variations of Sallander (self chin non extension). There is no definitive proof this gene doesn't exist in the population however.