What is considered the oldest commercial meat breed still used today?

The Champagne d'Argent is recognized as one of the oldest commercial meat breeds still being utilized today. This breed, which originated in France, has a long history dating back to the 1600s. It is renowned for its size, excellent meat quality, and attractive coloration, which are key traits that have allowed it to maintain its position in the meat market for centuries.

The breed's capacity for rapid growth and efficient feed conversion makes it a preferred choice among rabbit breeders focused on meat production. Its historical significance and continued use highlight its adaptability and the favorable characteristics it possesses for meat production, ensuring its relevance in contemporary agricultural practices.

In contrast, the other breeds listed may be well-known and popular but do not have the same historical lineage or the longstanding recognition in commercial meat production as the Champagne d'Argent. Consequently, while the New Zealand White, Californian, and American Blue breeds are significant in their own right, they do not match the historical precedence of the Champagne d'Argent in the meat rabbit industry.