RABBIT FARMING AND IT'S ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Due to the high population rate and little or no provision made for food production, Rabbit farming was then introduced as an ideal and lucrative means of food production in a country. Rabbits are "Micro Livestock" known mainly for their prolific nature. When reared by a small scale farmer, it serves as source of food for the family while if it is a commercial business it helps in massive production of food and also creation of JOB in a country.

Rabbits are easy to rear because the cost of establishing them are low and they don't require a large area of land. Rabbit meat contains high ratio of protein, energy, calcium and vitamin than any other type of animal meat, the amount of cholesterol, fat and sodium is also less than other meat, their meat is very testy nutritious and easily digestible for all aged people, Rabbits grow very fast andd the female Rabbit produce 2 to 8 kids every time.

They can consume very low quality food and turn this foods to high quality meat, skin or fiber, raising rabbit can be a great income source to the unemployed educated people and landless farmers. So commercial rabbit farming business can be a great source to meetup the food or protein demand and a great source of employment. Here we are describing the advantages of commercial rabbit farming business and steps for starting.

MERITS OF RABBIT FARM

There are many advantages of having Commercial and Local rabbit farm.

• • Rabbits are fast growing animals.
  • They have better food converting rate unlike other animals.
  • They are very prolific.
  • They can be raised in a short space.
  • Production cost are less compared to other animals.
  • Rabbit meat is very testy, nutritious and easily digestible.
  • Their meat are placed after poultry.
  • Kitchen wastes, grass, plant leaves etc. are favorite foods of rabbit. So you can raise some rabbits for your family needs, using this type of low cost and easily available commodities.
  • Rabbit farming require less labor compared to another animal farming business. You can easily use your family labor for successful commercial rabbit farming business.
  • Commercial rabbit farming business require relatively less capital and you will get back your investment within a very short period.
  • As it is a highly profitable business, so commercial production can be a great source of earning and employment.
  • You can meetup your family nutritional demands through raising a few number of rabbits.

People usually raise rabbits as pet, But raising them commercially, can be a great source of income and a smart way of employment. The annual demand of meat is increasing rapidly throughout the world. Commercial rabbit production can play a very important role to meetup this demand. So rabbit farming business has a great opportunity.

HOW TO START A RABBIT FARM

Rabbits are small sized animal. So it’s very easy to start a commercial rabbit farming business. Make a proper business plan before starting.

CHOOSING A RABBIT BREED

There are many rabbit available throughout the world. Among those breeds Dark Gray (internal), Fox, Dutch,New Zealand White, New Zealand Black, New Zealand Red, Belgium White and Chinchilla etc are highly productive and popular breeds. You can choose proper breed for your production, depending on the availability of breeds in your area.

RABBIT FARMING METHOD

You can start raising rabbits in both deep litter and cage farming methods.

• Deep Litter Method: This method is suitable, if you want to raise a few number of rabbits. Concrete floor is more suitable for deep litter system. Make 4 to 5 inches depth litter husk, hay, straw or wood shavings. In this method, you can raise a maximum of 30 rabbits in a house. Keep the male rabbits in a separate room from the female. In deep litter system, risks of diseases is high. And sometimes, it may seem very difficult to manage the rabbit in this system.

• Cage Method: For commercial rabbit farming business, cage method is the best. In this system the rabbits are kept in a cage, which are made with wire or iron plate. Cage system is very useful for raising a maximum number of rabbits. Keep sufficient space and necessary facilities, inside every cage. Keep the male and female rabbits separated from each other. Keep them together in a separate cage during breeding period.

FEEDING

Feed consuming rate and nutrient requirements varies, depending on the rabbit’s age and breed type. For proper nutrition of adult rabbits, their food should contain 17 to 18 percent crude protein, 14 percent fiber, 7 percent minerals and 2700 kilo calorie/kg of metabolic energy. Green leafy vegetables, seasonal vegetable, spinach, carrots, muller, cucumber, green grass and vegetable wastes are common Rabbit food. For commercial purpose, you can serve them poultry feed. In accordance with providing nutritious feed, supply them sufficient amount of clean and fresh water according to their demand.

BREEDING

Usually rabbits become mature and suitable for breeding purpose within their 5 to 6 months of age. But don’t use the male rabbits for breeding purpose until they reach their first birthday. Doing this will ensure, quality young rabbits for commercial production. Always try to use healthy rabbits with proper body weight for breeding. Never bred the females, if they are ill. Take special care to the breeding male and pregnant female rabbits, and provide them nutritious feed. The gestation period of rabbits is about 28 to 31 days. And each time a doe can give birth of 2 to 8 kids. <br /><center><hr/><em>Posted from my blog with <a href='https://wordpress.org/plugins/steempress/'>SteemPress</a> : http://krismicfarm.cf/2018/11/12/rabbit-farming-and-its-economic-importance/ </em><hr/></center>