Work cells and cellular manufacturing improving the fitness of the factory 2. Tables 2a and 2b include data of meat rabbit production compiled with limited reports from various developing countries. 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. The rabbit known as microlivestock can be a great source of food production. Anyone can undertake rabbit keeping as a part or fulltime venture. It also includes a minidirectory with contacts which will prove to be helpful in launching and running the rabbit farming business. Starting rabbit farming business in zimbabwe and the. 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. This is why this manual, first published in 1984, is now being reissued. 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.
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. The production of cecotropes is a very important part of the rabbit s digestive processes. The rabbit food and agriculture organization of the united nations. When properly managed, pig production can improve the economic, social and health status of farmers. Rabbit meat is one of the most nutritious meats available. Domestic rabbits oryctolagus cuniculus order lagomorphia are not rats. Production systems can be separated broadly into wet and dry systems. 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. Rabbit production in europe is concentrated largely in the latin countries of italy, france and spain, in which animal protectionist attitudes are considered moderate. 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. Manure, urine and the washing water are channelled away from the shed to. Pdf rabbit production guidelines for the malawi prison service. However, in the case of rabbits, the intensification of husbandry necessitates.
Rabbit production systems in kenya kenya subject category. 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. Types of rabbit production fanciers pets, breeding stock, and show animals laboratory furhair angora rex meat largest rabbit market. J k serem 1, m m wanyoike 1, c k gachuiri 1, s k mailu 2, p k gathumbi 1, r. Introduction the importance of the domestic rabbit as a supplier of meat for human consumption is widely recognised throughout the world. Rabbits are extremely hot natured so it is important to place their shelter in a shaded area. 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. It usually takes about eight months after a rabbitry has been established for full production to be reached and some profit to be realised. The manure can be used as fertilizer for crops and gardens. For moderate farmers, an automotive feeding and dinking system is. The smallest production unit to consider is a herd of around 20 does serviced by 2 bucks. A survey was undertaken in 7 counties in kenya covering a total of 300 rabbit farmers. Rabbit production systems the way in which people keep rabbits differ from country to country, but there are three main systems of production. Rabbit production can be integrated into small farming systems, with the rabbits being fed on crop residues, weeds, waste fruits, vegetables and poultry droppings.
Semantic scholar extracted view of backyard rabbit farming in the tropics. Breeding and reproduction of rabbits all other pets merck. Rabbits have a unique digestive system and must be able to move at all times to remain healthy. Pertinent rabbit production data are especially needed from developing countries. Commercial rabbit production mississippi state poultry science. 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. Pig and rabbit production systems makerere university courses. Californian rabbit breed is very popular for their meat production. 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. In wet systems, the concrete floor under the cages is periodically flushed or hosed with water.
Rabbit farming business is a very profitable business, and many people are making money all over the world by raising rabbits for meat. When purchasing your breeding stock, contact local breeders and rabbit clubs and check advertisements in rabbit magazines and the american rabbit breeders association directory. System rabbit project reference manual chad wootton r aising rabbits is fun. Comprehensive and uptodate, the book evaluates new information on such topics as protein digestion and requirements, nutritiondisease interrelationships, feeding behavior, and nutrional factors. 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. It recycles some unabsorbed nutrients as well as returning protein and vitamin b rich bacteria for enzyme digestion in the small intestine. There are perhaps even more myths than facts about how to raise rabbits successfully. This marketing profile offers an overview and general information on rabbit production, marketing, processing, and imports and exports. Alternatively, in dry production systems, the waste should be completely absorbed in sufficient undercage litter. Scribd is the worlds largest social reading and publishing site. 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. This calls for personal characteristics such as commitment to task at hand, a thirst for knowledge, proactiveness, discipline, doggedness and goalmindedness.
Rabbit production is a possible solution to the perennial meat deficit problem in the country. The smallscale rabbit production model ssrpm as a brief overview, the ssrpm is divided into three dimensions. Management of rabbits for meat production is quite different from the maintenance of a pet or house rabbit. This presentation focuses on the status of rabbit production in africa, with. This breed was produced in 1923 after long experiment and crossbreeding. Factors affecting the production of rabbits by small. 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. Global rabbit meat production is increasing year on year and reached 1. Proceedings of the 6th world rabbit congress, toulouse 3. Refer to the information sheet starting a rabbit enterprise for additional insight of.
The release of eggs in female rabbits is triggered by sexual intercourse, not by a cycle of hormones as in humans. Good rabbit housing for rabbit farming is very important. Feeder pig production this produces pigs for the finishing operation. 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.
Rabbit meat consumption in kenya munich personal repec. This publication provides an introduction to smallscale rabbit production, focusing on meat rabbits. 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. A typical market weight has been 18 to 30kg, but there has been some changes in recent years.
This system fits best on the farm where there is not much of. 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. Rabbit production systems in selected areas of five provinces in south africa. The welfare of farmed rabbits in commercial production systems. Such high levels of production, achieved under intensive production systems, are primarily found in europe end north america. Intelligent technology for rabbit farm amazing technology for agriculture modern farm for rabbits smart technologies on the modern rabbit farm. Recording system where breeding and production are recorded for. The majority of information found in that handbook was an adaptation and revision of commercial rabbit. Rabbit producers, feed manufacturers, animal nutritionists, and others interested in rabbit production will find this book to be the new authority.
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. Constraints to improved production and the potential for improvement. Ways to raise capital to start your rabbit farming business in zimbabwe. Free rabbitry record sheets to download and print rabbit. Provide an environment for the growth and nourishment of the developing fetus after fertilization. Rabbit meat is of high quality, being high in protein and low in fat content. Californian rabbit breed is an another highly productive and widely famous commercial rabbit.
Female reproductive system ans 215 physiology and anatomy of domesticated animals i. Pig production and management in ghana detailed guide. This manual is written as a guide for those volunteers in the peace corps getting started with rabbit production projects. Rabbits alternative farming systems information center. Rabbit production can be integrated into small farming systems, with the rabbits being fed crop residues, weeds, waste fruits and vegetables, etc the manure. Global agricultural trade system gats, foreign ag service fas, usda. Production characteristics and constraints of rabbit. When properly fed they can offer a high protein lowfat meat for healthy eating. Characterization of rabbit production systems in kenya. Rabbit chase to increase capacity v one person follows another person around the cell. They can be confined to hutches, and can be raised in urban as well as rural areas. The rabbit housing systems which are commonly used in commercial rabbit farming are the cage system and the deep litter system. A beginners guide to raising rabbits, including a rabbit barn, pens, feeders and waterers, breeding stock, care and feeding, breeding, butchering, and meat sales.
The rabbit husbandry, health and production cuniculture. A beginners guide to raising rabbits mother earth news. 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. 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. During a recent compassion in world farming investigation into the factory farming of rabbits, appalling suffering was documented. Rabbit production by josh schaeffer types of rabbit production fanciers pets, breeding stock, and show animals laboratory furhair angora rex meat largest rabbit market basics of raising meat rabbits breed selection general management techniques understanding rabbits housing feeding breeding health marketing breed selection meet demands white fineboned expected litter size 810 kits personal. In the book, developing sustainable rabbit projects, by lukefahr 2010, figures.
Regression results revealed that the main factors affecting commercial rabbit production are lack of extension services, low rabbit price, low agricultural education and. Farmers indicated lack of access to credit and feeds as the major challenge to rabbit production. The sow has a short gestation period and farrows several young ones at a go. Questions on the survey instrument sought to identify consumption patterns of rabbit meat among the sample farmers. As the rabbits cant tell you about their problems and needs in housing so you have to fulfill all their requirements in housing. Results were subjected to chi square test for association in an attempt to identify. Pdf rabbits are members of the leporidae family, indigenous throughout most. Rabbits are members of the leporidae family, indigenous throughout most parts of the world, and raised in smallholder and largescale, commercial production systems.
Department of animal sciences, obafemi awolowo university, ileife, 220005, osun state, nigeria. Usda once proclaimed rabbit meat to bethe most nutritious meat known to man. 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. At the same time, a 4h rabbit project can provide an important life skill learning experience. Benefits of backyard rabbit production backyard rabbit raising offers many potential benefits. Refer to the information sheet starting a rabbit enterprise for additional insight of advantages and disadvantages of producing rabbits.
Rabbit project development strategies in subsistence. The welfare of rabbits can be safeguarded under a variety of management systems. A few does and one or two bucks may be kept in a homebuilt rabbitry just next to the house. Rabbit production and management in ghana detailed guide. 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. The focus is on raising rabbits to add needed protein to family diets and as an incomegenerating project for small farmers. Intelligent technology for rabbit farm amazing technology. There is a great opportunity of rabbit farming, and commercial production can be a great source of income and employment. Another 100 non rabbit keeping farmers was similarly interviewed for comparison purposes. The equipment which you need will depend on the rabbit housing system which you choose. The study covered the key areas of rabbit production including.
Nov 19, 2015 pig production is a lucrative economic venture that can be practised by lowincome livestock farmers at the farm level. Rabbit project development strategies in subsistence farming. Female reproductive system cornell university college of. In the summer, it is wise to place frozen water bottles in the hutches with the rabbits to help keep them cool. Rabbit project planning strategies for developing countries. A complete handbook on backy ard and commercial rabbit. While these may be pursued as a secondary market for rabbit farmers, the focus of this article is on meat production. A complete handbook on backy ard and commercial rabbit production. One should give careful consideration to essential elements of a rabbit production system. Rabbits can be produced for many different markets. But you could print one of these for each rabbit if you prefer. Feeder pig finishing operations production systems 1. Manure is a valuable asset and can be used as fertiliser on the property, sold offsite or.
Potentials of rabbit production in tropical and subtropical. Four regions of kenya with significant rabbit farming were selected. Rabbit production is still a new enterprise and is mainly a smallholder system that has advantages over the other livestock systems. 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. Breeds and breed characteristics of pigs and rabbits. To fulfill the food demand for growing population, we have to find out different ways of food production. Rabbit is marketed as whole or half carcasses, although interest in cuts and ground. Rabbit breeds of medium to large size are sexually mature at 4 to 4. Rabbit meat consumption in kenya munich personal repec archive. The rabbit production business plan includes technical aspects of how to keep and to take care of the rabbits. As with any livestock enterprise key elements of labor, facilities, and lifestyle should be considered. Smallscale sustainable rabbit production snohomish.