Rabbit Rearing

Rabbit Rearing Introduction

Did you know that you can rear rabbits for meat and income? The agricultural practice of breeding and raising rabbits as livestock for their meat, fur, or wool is called cuniculture.

The domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, is a descendant of wild rabbits of southern Europe and North Africa. Since rabbit farming is not a traditional practice throughout Africa, communities rear rabbits as pets and for domestic supply of meat. Apart from meat, name other products farmers get from rabbits.

In China, the Angora rabbit is raised for its wool which is exported to other countries for production of high quality luxury garments. In addition to being raised commercially for meat and fur, rabbits are also produced in large numbers for laboratory use. The market of rabbits has increased in the 21″ century as a result of high demand for white meat recommended for obese conditions in humans.

With rabbits feeding on vegetation and raw kitchen waste, rabbit rearing can be a lucrative venture for beginner farmers. The initial investment in rabbit rearing is low, however, the enterprise is land intensive. This makes rabbit rearing a suitable enterprise for the young generation. Therefore, in this chapter you will learn how to rear and market rabbits profitably.

Breeds of Rabbits and their Characteristics

A breed of rabbit is a family of rabbits with distinct characteristic features that make it different from other families. Did you know that the commercial rabbit breeds reared in Uganda are classified by weight as small (1-3 kgs), medium (4-5 kgs) and large (6 kgs and above) breeds. Which of the breeds of rabbits (small, medium and large) do you rear in your community?

The Dutch, Californian and Flemish giants are classified as small, medium and large breeds respectively. What other examples of rabbits can you classify under small, medium and large breeds? Use Figure 3.3.1 and Activity 3.3.1 explore the characteristics of breeds of rabbits reared in Uganda.

Name the breeds of rabbits marked with letters A,B and C.

Activity 3.3.1 D Investigating the characteristics of breeds of rabbits

What you need:

Notebook, pen, camera

What to do:

1. In groups, visit a rabbit farmer near your school. You can observe photographs of the different breeds of rabbits.

2. Identify the breeds of rabbits that the farmer keeps.

3. Note the characteristics of the breed of rabbit that the farmer keeps in your notebook.

4. Discuss the characteristics relating to litter size, birth weight, feeding habits, mature weight and age at first breeding.

5. Find out the purpose of keeping each of the breeds of rabbits. Group the meat, wool and pet breeds separately. Identify the breeds that the farmer has for each purpose.

6. Ask the farmer about the characteristics of other breeds of rabbits that he or she knows about. 7. Visit the library or use of Internet and find out about the origin, characteristics and products of different exotic breeds of rabbits kept in Uganda.

8. Make notes on breeds like Satin, Angora, Jersey, American Chinchilla,

Netherland dwarf, Dutch, Lop, New Zealand white and Californian rabbit.

9. Compare the characteristics of the breeds of rabbits. Which rabbit do

you prefer to rear? Give reasons for your answer.

10. With photographs, write an article for the agriculture journal indicating the characteristics of breeds of rabbits kept in Uganda.

Value of Rabbits

Why do farmers in your community keep rabbits? What nutritional and financial benefits do farmers obtain from rearing rabbits? The national per capita consumption of meat in Uganda is 6kg against the 50 kg recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Rabbit rearing is an important livestock enterprise that can help step up the meat consumption levels. This is so because rabbits are prolific and reach slaughter weight earlier than most other livestock. In Activity 3.3.2, you are going to explore the importance of rabbits.

Activity 3.3.2 Studying a case on nutritional and commercial values of rabbits

What you need:

Notebook, pen

What to do:

1. Individually, read the following passage on rabbit rearing and answer the questions that follow.

Bakina is an agricultural entrepreneur living in Kisoro District. He rears a number of animals including goats, cattle and rabbits. Rabbit keeping has diversified his occupation of being a pastor to a model rabbit farmer. He rears the New Zealand breed which is calm and docile. A mature New Zealand rabbit weighs about 4-5 kg. This makes the rabbit a good breed for meat.

In the weekends, many people flock Bakina’s home with ‘cash in hand’ looking for rabbits for slaughter to consume at home or ‘meeting points!

Bakina sells each rabbit at UGX 30,000 after rearing the rabbit for 12- 16 weeks from birth. Buyers claim that rabbits are a suitable delicacy for young, old, diabetic and hypertensive people. They say rabbits are high in digestible protein, less in calorie, cholesterol free and have a high ratio of meat to bone. These characteristics put rabbit meat on high demand.

Rabbits can be used for wool production although many children keep them as pets. At one time before Rwanda closed its border with Uganda at Cyanika-Kisoro in 2019, the rabbit entrepreneur was selling his rabbits to Rwanda. This made him earn a lot of money in Rwanda Francs which have a higher value than Uganda shillings. Bakina has expanded his rabbitry to 200 rabbits to meet the daily rabbit demands.

Task

1. Identify the breed of rabbits that Mr. Bakina rear at his home.

2. According to the rabbit buyers, what are the nutritional benefits of rabbit meat?

3. Apart from being a source of meat, what are the other benefits of rearing rabbits?

4. According to the passage, what are the financial values of rearing rabbits?

5. Identify other nutritional and financial benefits of keeping rabbit.

Constructing a Rabbit House

Did you know that a house for domestic rabbits is called a hutch? A hutch can be constructed from simple materials of off-cut timber or tree poles. The major purpose of the hutch is to protect the rabbits from predators and harsh weather. Note that wild rabbits live in holes and caves. A good hutch is one that gives rabbits good conditions to grow and reproduce. Use Figure 3.3.2, Figure 3.3.3 and Activity 3.3.3 to construct a hutch.

Activity 3.3.3 a) Planning to construct a rabbit house or hutch

What you need:

Notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, select a type of hutch to construct.

2. Draw a sketch of the rabbit house you are going to construct. 3. List the materials you will need to construct the hutch.

4. Draw a budget for the materials that you will need to use. Why do you need a budget?

5. Obtain the materials required for construction of the rabbit hutch following the budget specifications.

6. Get appropriate personal protective equipment such as gumboots, overall, gloves when constructing a rabbit hutch.

7. Re-examine and determine the appropriate hutch dimensions, according to the size of stock for which it is intended.

8. Select appropriate tools and materials for the type of hutch to be built.

9. Record where and how each of the construction tools and materials will be used.

10. With illustrations, write a report to document your findings. You can use a Microsoft word processor to write the report.

Activity 3.4.3 b) Constructing a hutch

What you need:

Construction tools, nails, timber, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, measure and cut three boards of 3 x 2 inches into 1 m lengths. Cut materials accurately according to hutch dimension specifications.

2. Trim the scrap pieces to 60 cm.

3. Using the fourth length of boards of 3 x 2 inches, measure and cut four more 60 cm length pieces.

4. Verify that you have six 1m boards of 3 x 2 inch sections and six 60 cm boards of 3 x 2 inch sections.

5. Join materials to form a hutch following hutch specifications.

6. Assemble three ‘picture frames’ by butting the short boards of 3 x 2 inch pieces on the ends of the longer boards of 3 x 2 inches to make corners.

7. Use a single screw to attach all of the ends. For added stability use two offset screws (drill pilot holes first).

8. Measure and cut the welded wire to size as shown in Figure 3.3.2. the

9. Align the wire to flush the bottom long edge of the frame. Trim off excess mesh and staple the welded wire in place.

10. Roof the hutch with leak-proof material.

11. Ensure the hutch is about 1m off the ground. Firm the support poles to ensure the hutch is stable. Assess the quality of the hutch using Table 3.3.1.

12. Organise for an audience to view the hutch. Take the audience comments into consideration in constructing a standard hutch for your rabbit project at home.

Qualities of a Good Hutch

Check if the hutch you have constructed has the following qualities of a standard hutch. Mark in the appropriate box.

Safety Rules (Do’s and Don’ts) in Rabbit Rearing

Safety rules (do’s and don’ts) are meant to protect rabbits from injury and disease. When rabbits are kept safe and healthy, they produce to their optimum potential. A safe rabbit will therefore serve the farmer with high economic benefits. How do farmers in your communities ensure rabbit safety? Use Activity 3.3.4 to explore the safety rules (do’s and don’ts) in rabbit rearing.

Activity 3.3.4 Exploring the safety rules (do’s and don’ts) in rabbit rearing

What you need:

Notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, discuss the following safety rules (do’s and don’ts) in rabbit production.

2. Discuss other safety rules that you will consider for safe rabbit management.

3. Explain the importance of the safety rules in rabbit production and management.

4. State how you will ensure the safety rules are followed for optimum growth and production.

5. Follow the safety rules to manage your rabbit production enterprise at school.

6. Write a report to document your findings. Submit the report to the teacher for further guidance.

Rearing, Feeding and Managing Rabbits

Rabbit rearing and management requires skillful application of knowledge to enhance production. Feeding is a management practice which when well done will optimise productivity of the rabbit project. Feeding must be regular, of the right nutrient balance and ad libitum. What other management practices will you adopt for your rabbit production project?

Proper management of rabbits through adequate feeding, watering and disease control and prevention are essential for a viable rabbit production project. Adequate and clean facilities are necessary for improving productivity in rabbits. Use Figure 3.3.4 and Activity 3.3.5 to practise rabbit rearing, feeding and management practices.

Activity 3.3.5 Managing rabbits

What you need:

Rabbit breed, litter, weighing scale, disinfectants, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, identify a rabbit breed to rear basing on purpose.

2. Weigh the rabbits on arrival and record for monitoring.

3. Place feeder and waterer in a suitable location in the hutch as in Figure 3.3.4.

4. Attach grass rack to the hutch in an easily accessible location for rabbits.

5. Supply feed and water ad libitum. Give feeds to rabbits following the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Disinfect and line nest box with the appropriate material. Identify the disinfectants that you can use.

7. Establish a daily feeding and watering schedule and stick to it, seven days a week.

8. Rinse crocks with a water-and-chlorine-bleach solution (one part household bleach to five parts water). Check self-feeders for clogs of spoiled feed.

9. Place the hutch (if moveable) in a suitable area. What area would yo consider as suitable?

10. Ensure the new rabbits get optimum lighting, ventilation and temperature for proper growth.

11. Rinse crocks with a water-and-chlorine-bleach solution (1:5 household bleach to water). What is the reason for doing this in rabbit management?

12. Litters should be weaned by eight weeks of age. This is also the time to tattoo and to separate littermates by sex.

13. Check your animals for abnormal fur, eyes, teeth and genital areas.

14. Regularly handle your rabbits gently and you will become more aware of their individual condition.

15. Observe for reduced appetite in pregnant does two or three days before kindling (giving birth). Place the nestbox with enough fur in the hutch on the 28th or 29th day of pregnancy. Why should the nestbox be kept out of the hutch until this time?

16. Check for rabbit safety and supplies of feed and beddings.

17. Check your rabbitry calendar to prepare for events like kindling, weaning and culling for sale.

18. Keep records on feeding, health, breeding and production. 19. Draft and present a report to an audience for further guidance.

Rabbit Health Checks

Rabbits are susceptible to several diseases that reduce production to unprofitable levels. The common diseases of rabbits are scours (also referred to as bloat or mucoid enteritis), coccidiosis, ear mange, sore eyes (weepy eyes), sore hocks and vent disease (rabbit syphilis). In addition, the respiratory disease caused by Pasturella multocida is responsible for decreased productivity and a high mortality rate in does. How will you identify ill-health among rabbits? Use Activity 3.3.6 to practise health checks in rabbits.

Activity 3.3.6 Examining the health condition of a rabbit

What you need:

Notebook, pen, camera, sick rabbit, healthy rabbit

What to do:

1. In groups, visit a rabbit farmer near your school. You may watch photographs or videos on examining the health conditions of rabbits.

2. Observe a rabbit suspected to be sick. Use the following checklist to confirm your prediction.

3. Discuss what the checklist reveals about the health of the rabbit examined? Explain how else you would examine a rabbit suspected to be sick.

4. Identify any other items that you can add to the assessment list to examine a rabbit suspected to be sick.

5. Identify the characteristics that a healthy rabbit should show in relation to the area of assessment identified.

6. State other practices that should be done daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly to check on the health condition of rabbits.

7. What advice can you give to the farmer as regards rabbit health management.

8. Write a report of your findings to the teacher for further guidance.

Treating Parasites and Diseases in Rabbits

What actions can you take to control ill-health in rabbits to maintain optimum productivity? Did you know that parasites and pathogens are the leading causes of loss of productivity in rabbits? Rabbit pests and diseases can be controlled to avoid infection. Proper hutch hygiene, feeding practices and vaccination are key control measures of poor health in rabbits. However, rabbits that get sick should be noticed and treated immediately. Use Figure 3.3.5 and Activity 3.3.7 to practise rabbit parasite and disease control.

Activity 3.3.7 Treating parasites and diseases in rabbits

What you need:

Disease and pest treatment tools and equipment, veterinary doctor, note- book, pen, camera

What to do:

1. In groups, use veterinarian journals, brochures, the Internet or textbooks to research and write notes on parasites, diseases, symptoms and treatment in rabbits.

2. Identify common rabbit diseases, symptoms and treatment for the infections.

3. Inquire about the pests, signs of infestation and pest management in rabbits.

4. Record the procedure of treating common rabbit diseases and parasites

(endo or ecto-parasites) as guided by the veterinarian.

5. Demonstrate use of the tools and equipment used in disease and pest treatment in rabbits.

6. Present your findings on parasites and diseases including signs and symptoms and control measures.

7. Practise the pest and disease treatment practices on your rabbit production project at school.

8. Complete Table 3.3.3 and submit your findings to the teacher for further guidance.

Processing and Marketing of Rabbits and Rabbit Products

Did you know that processed rabbits will give you a higher value than unprocessed rabbits? Rabbit meat is a highly demanded animal product on the market due to its leanness and whiteness. However, rabbit sales have no organised markets in many areas in Uganda.

To ensure availability of rabbit products at all times, processing is recommended. Remember, meat is the most marketable rabbit product.

The fur market requires that rabbits have meaty carcasses and clean, top quality pelts or fur. To obtain a satisfactory price, a large number of pelts are usually required. The price of pelts depends on quality. However, there are no established markets for pelts in the local communities in Uganda. Use Figure 3.3.6 and Activity 3.3.8 to practise processing and marketing rabbits and their products.

Activity 3.3.8 Processing of rabbits into meat

What you need:

Mature rabbits, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, discuss the following practices in rabbit processing.

2. Apart from meat, what other products can you obtain from rabbits.

3. State the role of processing in improving the value of rabbits. Give your opinion on the cost of a live rabbit and a slaughtered rabbit.

4. Discuss other methods of processing rabbits to increase their market value. Share findings with peers. 5. Identify the sections of the public health (meat) rules that you should put in consideration during the processing of rabbits into meat.

6. Write your findings in a report and submit to the teacher for feedback.

Activity 3.4.8 b) Marketing Rabbit and Rabbit Products

What you need:

Mature rabbits, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, identify mature rabbits of about eight weeks of age and 2.5- 3.5 kg of live weight.

2. Compile the content of your marketing plan (what product-rabbits, to who-buyers, where-place of sale, when-period, how-live rabbits or processed).

3. Identify the policies governing rabbit sales as stipulated in the public health (meat) rules.

4. Prepare your rabbits for slaughter if you want to sell meat or skins.

5. Execute the marketing plan following the standards.

6. Adjust according to the market forces and conditions.

7. Write a report to document your findings. Submit the report to the teacher for further guidance.

Entrepreneurial Skills in Rabbit Rearing

Entrepreneurial skills are important for business investment to be successful. Key entrepreneurial skills in rabbit rearing include time management, negotiation, record keeping, sales management, emotional intelligence, risk taking, innovation and financial management. Entrepreneurial skills may be technical, financial, leadership or communication. Use Activity 3.3.9 to apply entrepreneurial skills required in rabbit rearing.

Activity 3.3.9 Identifying entrepreneurial skills in rabbit rearing

What you need:

Rabbits, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, you will receive, or be asked to come with five bunnies for rearing.

2. Prepare a rabbit production plan that you will use to ensure that all rabbits reach market weight early.

3. Display your plan and receive feedback from the audience. What changes would you make if any and why?

4. Rear the rabbits following the production plan.

5. Discuss the challenges that you faced during rabbit production. 6. State what you did to overcome the challenges you faced during the rearing of rabbits.

7. Discuss how you will rear another rabbit lot more profitably.

8. Make an evaluation of the entrepreneurial skills you use to rear the rabbits. Record your finding.

9. Write a criterion for commercial rabbit rearing describing what entrepreneurial skills you need and where and how to apply them.