China's Sichuan province has shown a penchant for rabbit meat, consuming about 42 million kilograms per year.

The total amount of rabbit meat consumed in Sichuan showed that two rabbits per person was eaten at average, reported WCC Daily.

The province’s capital Chengdu holds more than 2,000 pure-breed French Hycole rabbits, which are considered to be among the top three rabbit meats globally. This particular breed also fetches a huge sum of money depending on the rabbit’s gender. A male French Hycole rabbit would cost consumer a hefty $680 while a female rabbit of the same breed is valued $210.

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Compared to the French Hycole rabbit breed, local rabbits weigh less at 2,000 grams. They also breed less, having only 35 bunnies per year. The French Hycole rabbits, on the other hand, weigh 2,500 grams and have a breeding rate of 50 bunnies a year.

Artificial insemination is also done to hasten the breeding rate. Through this method, a male Hycole could give 1,000 tubes of sperm. The number is capable of getting 1,000 female rabbits pregnant. The report also added that this method produces meat which is a lot tastier.

China is the leading producer of rabbit meat in the world. The annual global production of rabbit meat is recorded at 200 million kilograms, 60 percent of which comes from China. Rabbit Industry Association of China President Luo Dong said that 70 percent of the figure recorded is being eaten in Sichuan, or 42 million kilograms a year.

A varied menu of rabbit meat is served all throughout Sichuan where rabbit meat consumption dates back to hundreds of years ago. Rabbit consumption has also spread in other areas including Guangxi.

Professional rabbit farms are abundant and are often signed up for production contracts to ensure that the supply of rabbit meat in the country is stable.

TagsRabbit, French Hycole, Sichuan, Guangxi Province