Rabbit farming in nigeria has more merits than demerits, but the responsibility still rests on the wouldbe rabbit farmer to make a success of his rabbit farming business. When properly fed they can offer a high protein lowfat meat for healthy eating. Smallscale sustainable rabbit production snohomish. Alternatively, in dry production systems, the waste should be completely absorbed in sufficient undercage litter. As the rabbits cant tell you about their problems and needs in housing so you have to fulfill all their requirements in housing. The welfare of farmed rabbits in commercial production systems executive summary rabbits are the second most frequently farmed species in the eu but are not protected by speciesspecific legislation. When raising rabbits for meat there are many options for food. Rabbit production is a possible solution to the perennial meat deficit problem in the country. Refer to the information sheet starting a rabbit enterprise for additional insight of. Californian rabbit breed is very popular for their meat production. The purpose of this publication is to provide general and practical information that will help the new producer become a successful producer of meat rabbits as a backyard activity under texas conditions. The lack of available and reliable information on rabbit production has contributed to some producers decisions to sell out because the rabbits backyard production of meat rabbits in texas. Pdf rabbit production guidelines for the malawi prison service. The equipment which you need will depend on the rabbit housing system which you choose.
Management of rabbits for meat production is quite different from the maintenance of a pet or house rabbit. Questions on the survey instrument sought to identify consumption patterns of rabbit meat among the sample farmers. Rabbit meat consumption in kenya munich personal repec archive. Characterization of rabbit production systems in kenya. Benefits of backyard rabbit production backyard rabbit raising offers many potential benefits. Such high levels of production, achieved under intensive production systems, are primarily found in europe end north america.
Proceedings of the 6th world rabbit congress, toulouse 3. The majority of information found in that handbook was an adaptation and revision of commercial rabbit. Starting rabbit farming business in zimbabwe and the. Commercial rabbit production mississippi state poultry science. Tables 2a and 2b include data of meat rabbit production compiled with limited reports from various developing countries.
Rabbit producers, feed manufacturers, animal nutritionists, and others interested in rabbit production will find this book to be the new authority. Rabbit chase to increase capacity v one person follows another person around the cell. Rabbit project development strategies in subsistence farming. Rabbits have a unique digestive system and must be able to move at all times to remain healthy. A few does and one or two bucks may be kept in a homebuilt rabbitry just next to the house. Ways to raise capital to start your rabbit farming business in zimbabwe. Rabbit production systems the way in which people keep rabbits differ from country to country, but there are three main systems of production. The release of eggs in female rabbits is triggered by sexual intercourse, not by a cycle of hormones as in humans. Scribd is the worlds largest social reading and publishing site. A typical market weight has been 18 to 30kg, but there has been some changes in recent years. They can be confined to hutches, and can be raised in urban as well as rural areas. Introduction the importance of the domestic rabbit as a supplier of meat for human consumption is widely recognised throughout the world.
This breed was produced in 1923 after long experiment and crossbreeding. Global rabbit meat production is increasing year on year and reached 1. Production systems can be separated broadly into wet and dry systems. However, to build a successful, sustainable commercial rabbit farming business, you require sufficient knowledge of how to efficiently raise the rabbits, good management skills, and a good rabbit farming business plan. Rabbit production can be integrated into small farming systems, with the rabbits being fed crop residues, weeds, waste fruits and vegetables, etc the manure can be used as fertilizer for crops and gardens. Work cells and cellular manufacturing improving the fitness of the factory 2. Rabbit is marketed as whole or half carcasses, although interest in cuts and ground. Another 100 non rabbit keeping farmers was similarly interviewed for comparison purposes. In wet systems, the concrete floor under the cages is periodically flushed or hosed with water. Comprehensive and uptodate, the book evaluates new information on such topics as protein digestion and requirements, nutritiondisease interrelationships, feeding behavior, and nutrional factors. Manure is a valuable asset and can be used as fertiliser on the property, sold offsite or used for other valueadding purposes such as worm. Types of rabbit production fanciers pets, breeding stock, and show animals laboratory furhair angora rex meat largest rabbit market.
Feeder pig production this produces pigs for the finishing operation. At the same time, a 4h rabbit project can provide an important life skill learning experience. We have picked international recommendations on rabbit production, and encourage our members to adhere to the recommendations so that we can also participate and prevail in the world market. System rabbit project reference manual chad wootton r aising rabbits is fun. Rabbits can be kept under a variety of management systems, but it is always essential to provide an environment that will be conducive to good health, meet the behavioural needs of the animals and yet provide optimum production. Rabbit production can be integrated into small farming systems, with the rabbits being fed crop residues, weeds, waste fruits and vegetables, etc the manure. However, in the case of rabbits, the intensification of husbandry necessitates. When purchasing your breeding stock, contact local breeders and rabbit clubs and check advertisements in rabbit magazines and the american rabbit breeders association directory. A complete handbook on backyard and commercial rabbit production acknowledgements a complete handbook on backyard and commercial rabbit production replaces an earlier publication of the same name that was produced by the peace corps in 1982. Pertinent rabbit production data are especially needed from developing countries. The smallest production unit to consider is a herd of around 20 does serviced by 2 bucks. The manure can be used as fertilizer for crops and gardens. Rabbit meat is of high quality, being high in protein and low in fat content.
This manual is written as a guide for those volunteers in the peace corps getting started with rabbit production projects. The study covered the key areas of rabbit production including. Pig and rabbit production systems makerere university courses. Rabbit production systems in selected areas of five provinces in south africa. Breeding and reproduction of rabbits all other pets merck. The sow has a short gestation period and farrows several young ones at a go. While these may be pursued as a secondary market for rabbit farmers, the focus of this article is on meat production. Female reproductive system cornell university college of.
A complete handbook on backy ard and commercial rabbit production. Free rabbitry record sheets to download and print rabbit. Potentials of rabbit production in tropical and subtropical. Rabbit meat is one of the most nutritious meats available. Rabbit breeds of medium to large size are sexually mature at 4 to 4. As with any livestock enterprise key elements of labor, facilities, and lifestyle should be considered. Starting rabbit farming business in zimbabwe and the business. The smallscale rabbit production model ssrpm as a brief overview, the ssrpm is divided into three dimensions. Jan 30, 20 talk like a rabbit producer doe female rabbit buck male rabbit kit kitten baby rabbit kindling giving birth fryer market rabbit that is 8 to 10 weeks old and weighs 45 lbs. For moderate farmers, an automotive feeding and dinking system is. The focus is on raising rabbits to add needed protein to family diets and as an incomegenerating project for small farmers.
Rabbits can be produced for many different markets. Rabbits alternative farming systems information center. Nov 19, 2015 pig production is a lucrative economic venture that can be practised by lowincome livestock farmers at the farm level. The rabbit food and agriculture organization of the united nations. In commercial rabbit production, the difference between profitable and unprofitable is the ability of your fryer rabbits to reach 5 pounds in weight within 8 weeks from birth. Rabbit production systems in kenya kenya subject category. Intelligent technology for rabbit farm amazing technology. Good rabbit housing for rabbit farming is very important. Rabbit production can be integrated into small farming systems, with the rabbits being fed on crop residues, weeds, waste fruits, vegetables and poultry droppings. J k serem 1, m m wanyoike 1, c k gachuiri 1, s k mailu 2, p k gathumbi 1, r. Refer to the information sheet starting a rabbit enterprise for additional insight of advantages and disadvantages of producing rabbits.
Provide an environment for the growth and nourishment of the developing fetus after fertilization. This marketing profile offers an overview and general information on rabbit production, marketing, processing, and imports and exports. There are perhaps even more myths than facts about how to raise rabbits successfully. Feeder pig finishing operations production systems 1. Female reproductive system ans 215 physiology and anatomy of domesticated animals i.
Before investing your money in rabbit production, get all available literature, talk and visit with other producers, visit a rabbit processor, and talk with your county extension agent. This presentation focuses on the status of rabbit production in africa, with. Four regions of kenya with significant rabbit farming were selected. Rabbit production in europe is concentrated largely in the latin countries of italy, france and spain, in which animal protectionist attitudes are considered moderate. The rabbit husbandry, health and production cuniculture. During a recent compassion in world farming investigation into the factory farming of rabbits, appalling suffering was documented. A beginners guide to raising rabbits, including a rabbit barn, pens, feeders and waterers, breeding stock, care and feeding, breeding, butchering, and meat sales. You can make changes to the interactive pdf budget files for this publication by inputting your own prices and quantities in the green outlined cells for any item. When properly managed, pig production can improve the economic, social and health status of farmers. To fulfill the food demand for growing population, we have to find out different ways of food production. Results were subjected to chi square test for association in an attempt to identify.
Laboratory rabbit production has the potential to be a very profitable enterprise, but the requirements for entering the market make it difficult to become established. In commercial rabbit production, the difference between profitable and unprofitable is the ability of your fryer rabbits to reach 5 pounds in weight within 8 weeks from birth this is because every day past 8 weeks costs more money out of your pocket in the form of additional expensive rabbit feed and cage space that is not available for. There are many species in the rabbit family but all domesticated rabbits are believed to have descended from a single species known as the european rabbit. Anyone can undertake rabbit keeping as a part or fulltime venture. This publication provides an introduction to smallscale rabbit production, focusing on meat rabbits. It is the highest in protein, lowest in fat and cholesterol, has the least number of calories per pound and has only eight percent bone. In europe and the united states large scale commercial rabbit farming has been practised for many years and standards of husbandry raised. One should give careful consideration to essential elements of a rabbit production system. A complete handbook on backy ard and commercial rabbit.
This is why this manual, first published in 1984, is now being reissued. The welfare of farmed rabbits in commercial production systems. The welfare of rabbits can be safeguarded under a variety of management systems. J k serem 1, m m wanyoike 1, c k gachuiri 1, s k mailu 2, p k gathumbi 1, r n mwanza 3, n kiarie 1, d k borter 3.
Semantic scholar extracted view of backyard rabbit farming in the tropics. Rabbit diseases sanitation getting started before investing your money in rabbit production, get all available literature, talk and visit with other producers, visit a rabbit processor, and talk with your county extension agent. Pdf characterization of rabbit production systems in kenya. There is a great opportunity of rabbit farming, and commercial production can be a great source of income and employment. Regression results revealed that the main factors affecting commercial rabbit production are lack of extension services, low rabbit price, low agricultural education and. Rabbit farming business is a very profitable business, and many people are making money all over the world by raising rabbits for meat. Pdf rabbits are members of the leporidae family, indigenous throughout most. Pig production and management in ghana detailed guide. This calls for personal characteristics such as commitment to task at hand, a thirst for knowledge, proactiveness, discipline, doggedness and goalmindedness. A survey was undertaken in 7 counties in kenya covering a total of 300 rabbit farmers. It recycles some unabsorbed nutrients as well as returning protein and vitamin b rich bacteria for enzyme digestion in the small intestine. Rabbits are members of the leporidae family, indigenous throughout most parts of the world, and raised in smallholder and largescale, commercial production systems.
The production of cecotropes is a very important part of the rabbit s digestive processes. The rabbit known as microlivestock can be a great source of food production. Recording system where breeding and production are recorded for. In the summer, it is wise to place frozen water bottles in the hutches with the rabbits to help keep them cool. Department of animal sciences, obafemi awolowo university, ileife, 220005, osun state, nigeria. This system fits best on the farm where there is not much of. Manure is a valuable asset and can be used as fertiliser on the property, sold offsite or. The rabbit production business plan includes technical aspects of how to keep and to take care of the rabbits. Global agricultural trade system gats, foreign ag service fas, usda. Intelligent technology for rabbit farm amazing technology for agriculture modern farm for rabbits smart technologies on the modern rabbit farm.
Rabbit production and management in ghana detailed guide. The rabbit housing systems which are commonly used in commercial rabbit farming are the cage system and the deep litter system. The manure, urine, spilled water and cleaning water should be drained, treated and reused in wet production systems. Rabbit meat consumption in kenya munich personal repec. A beginners guide to raising rabbits mother earth news. But you could print one of these for each rabbit if you prefer. In the book, developing sustainable rabbit projects, by lukefahr 2010, figures. Rabbit project development strategies in subsistence. Rabbits are extremely hot natured so it is important to place their shelter in a shaded area. Factors affecting the production of rabbits by small. It also includes a minidirectory with contacts which will prove to be helpful in launching and running the rabbit farming business. Rabbit project planning strategies for developing countries.
Constraints to improved production and the potential for improvement. Manure, urine and the washing water are channelled away from the shed to. Californian rabbit breed is an another highly productive and widely famous commercial rabbit. It would be better for commercial rabbit farming if you build an enclosed building which has the proper management of ventilation, cooling, heating and lighting. Rabbit production is still a new enterprise and is mainly a smallholder system that has advantages over the other livestock systems. It usually takes about eight months after a rabbitry has been established for full production to be reached and some profit to be realised. Production characteristics and constraints of rabbit. Farmers indicated lack of access to credit and feeds as the major challenge to rabbit production. Rabbit production in europe traditional concrete cages were used in europe until years 19601970 for family but also for commercial rabbit production present type of unit used for commercial production in europe france, italy, spain, portugal, belgium, the techniques now used in europe will in europe be the object of the 3rd part of this. Domestic rabbits oryctolagus cuniculus order lagomorphia are not rats.
1340 1332 1507 179 399 942 1016 59 23 448 818 1200 506 1202 690 1583 964 1425 798 334 1624 701 1009 963 785 1556 1241 1188 1149 9 436 771 1389 633 1319