it’s relatively easy to start a commercial rabbit farming business due to its small size. Here, we are describing the most important things to take note of when starting rabbit farming business.
Choosing your Rabbit Breeds
There are many rabbit breeds available throughout the world. Some popular breeds are Dark Gray (internal), Fox, Dutch, New Zealand White, New Zealand Black, New Zealand Red, Belgium White and Chinchilla. These breeds are among the most widely used in Nigeria. You can choose the proper breed for your production, depending on the availability of breeds in your area.
Choosing your Farming Method
You can start raising rabbits in both deep litter and cage farming methods. Here we are describing more about these two types of raising methods.
Learn More- Deep Litter Method: This method is suitable if you want to raise a few rabbits. A concrete floor is more suitable for a 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 a deep litter system, the risk of diseases is high. And sometimes, it may seem very difficult to manage the rabbit in this system.
- Cage Method: For rabbit farming business, the cage method is the best. In this system, the rabbits are kept in a cage, which is made with wire or iron plate. The 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 the breeding period.
Feeding
Feed consuming rate and nutrient requirements vary, depending on the rabbit’s age and breed type. For proper nutrition of adult rabbits, their food should contain 17 to 18 per cent crude protein, 14 per cent fibre, 7 per cent minerals and 2700 kilocalorie/kg of metabolic energy.
Green leafy vegetables, seasonal vegetable, spinach, carrots, muller, cucumber, green grass and vegetable wastes are common food of rabbits. 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 to 2 to 8 kids.
VIDEO: So you want to start a rabbit farm? Here is a guide
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