Rabbit Farming
RABBITS ARE GOOD FOR MEAT
Rabbit-keeping is one of the simplest farming activities, although it is not very common in Kenya. Many people keep rabbits as a hobby or as pets. If kept clean and well fed, rabbits take a short time to mature. There are three common breeds:
California White: This rabbit is white in colour with black ears, nose and tail. It weighs 7 to 8 kg. With good spacing, it is able to kid (produce offspring) four times in a year, giving around 8 kids each time.
New Zealand White: This rabbit is pure white in colour. It weighs approximately 8 kg. It also kids four times in a year with good spacing. It can produce between 7 to 15 kids each pregnancy.
Flemish Giant: The colour of this rabbit is light grey to black-blue. It weighs 6 kg when fully grown. When cross-bred with other breeds, the off-spring reproduces even more than the parents. It is also bigger in body size.
Meat not the only benefit The most important benefit of rabbits is their meat. As yet, the meat is locally not very popular as in many other parts of the world, but in Kenya rabbit keeping is slowly becoming more popular. In Kenya a mature rabbit weighing 7 kg goes for an average of Ksh 500. Many local hotels prefer rabbit meat to chicken meat. According to John Mucheru, an extension officer with the Dairy Goats Association.
Other benefits of Rabbit Rabbit Urine : The urine contains alot of Ammonia and uric acid. It can be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:7 and applied on crops as a fungicide that helps to control most fungal diseases in plants. The urine also acts a foliar feed because of its high ammonia content.
Rabbit dung: The droppings are rich Californian White in nitrogen and phosphorus. Added to the soil, it helps give plants resistance against attacks by pests and bacteria. Proper feeding is important ... Organically grown rabbits have ahigher nutritional value compared to conventionally kept rabbits (rabbits fed with commercially produced feeds). To rear rabbits organically, one has to select their feed carefully. Rabbits can feed on all weeds that goats feed on. On these feeds it is advisable to add Flemish Giant Mexican Marigold; this plant contains certain substances that control parasites. To protect rabbits against intestinal worms, farmers should feed them with Nasturtium (Indian cress).... and so is cleanliness If rabbits are neglected, they are susceptible to the following diseases: Coccidiosis:
The disease occurs when feeds are contaminated with dung (especially from poultry) or when they feed on wet fodder. Signs and symptoms of coccidiosis include diarrhoea and inability to feed. The best way to prevent this disease is to ensure the rabbit house is always kept clean. In case of an outbreak of the disease, amaranth seeds and cucurbit (plants of the cucumber family such as cucumbers, zucchini, melons, etc.) seeds are used to provide lost energy and nutrients to the rabbits. Aloe vera ( the white milky liquid in the leaves of the plant ) can be used to prevent or cure the disease.
Pasteurelosia: Occurs when the rabbits are exposed to the wind. It affects the lungs. A sign of this disease is abnormal breathing. The only way to prevent the disease is by protecting the rabbits from the wind. This can be done by covering the hutch at night.
Pneumonia: This disease arises by exposure of rabbits to wind. It also occurs when the droppings are trapped in the hutch. The decomposing waste releases ammonia which when inhaled into the lungs causes pneumonia. Protection of rabbits from the wind and making sure that drop-pings do not build up on the floor will help to protect the animals.
Good housing Rabbits are very sensitive to diseases if not kept well. They rarely become sick if well taken care of and kept in proper housing and space for rest and movement. The hutch (rabbit house) should be properly built to provide a comfortable and safe place for their stay. The hutch should be 1 metre above ground to keep off predators. Rabbits naturally like dark places. The hutch should be a bit dark but with some light. The leeward side (the side sheltered from wind) should be completely shielded. The material used to build the hutch should not leave any gaps that will allow wind into the hutch. The floor should be well constructed such that the panels or wood or sticks allow the free flow of urine. Farmers who want to trap the urine or droppings should place a trap (basin) under the hutch.