Rabbit rearing is a lucrative
livestock farming and one of the untapped financial relieves. There are many
advantages associated with rabbit rearing and if practiced efficiently, it
could be a source of good income to a business owner.
Advantages and benefits of rabbit
rearing
They are low in fat and caloric
intake compared to other livestock
The meat in rabbit is of higher
quality having low saturated fat, low cholesterol thereby reducing its
susceptibility to diseases.They are also useful as laboratory samples in carrying out experiments.
They have low feed consumption rate thereby reducing the cost of production.
They can survive in little
provided space for rearing.
They can also be reared in small
scale with little capital needed
It is a good source of income.
PROCESSES
INVOLVED IN RABBITS REARING.Depending on your scale, you can go for either of the two breeding methods, which is the use of deep littering method or the use of a properly constructed cage.
Breeding: Rabbits breed within
5-6 months but it is preferable to use matured male rabbits for breeders. This helps
to improve the offspring quality.
Feeding: it is important that
the rabbits are fed regularly. Their diets should compose of roughages and
herbs which is essential for growth and development. Containers for food and
water should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Health
and diseases:
it is important to have a regular check for difference in behaviours dirty or
standing ears, swollen eyes and nose, activeness, scabies and rashes etc, professional
help should be seek immediately if any of this is noticed.
Profit
generation:
marketing can be done locally by creating awareness in one’s area or
environment. Inter breeding can be done with other farmers in similar line of
trade which can also generate income. More income can also be generated by introducing
other starters to the business, selling of feed to other farmers etc.Rabbit business can be considered for livestock farmers and people considering going into farming for business. It is viable and profitable if ventured into rightly.