Blood and organs and tissues used as specimens for biological and medical research are important by-products from the large slaughtering units. Some slaughterhouse by-products are used in pet foods. Production of wool from Angora rabbits was popular at one time, but presently there is little commercial production of angora wool. A growing phase of the rabbit industry is that of supply animals for laboratory or research use. Current usage for this is about 600,000 annually.
Official statistics are unavailable on the number of rabbits produced annually in the United States.
Approximately 6 to 8 million rabbits are produced annually for all purposes. Peak production in 1944 was estimated at about 24 million rabbits. In times of national emergency, production of rabbits traditionally increases. Housing Many types of housing for rabbits are used. The size of cages depends on the breed of rabbit and the objectives for tending them.