In this article we will discuss about the meaning and advantages of rabbit farming.
Meaning of Rabbit Farming:
Rabbit farming has grown from raising a few rabbits for family consumption to large commercial operations with hundreds of rabbits. Expansion is much simpler than other live-stocks alternatives because a large range of existing facilities can be applied for rabbits. In developing countries such as India, where enormous meat shortage exists, the potential for rabbit production is greater.
It is an important live-stock activity with great scope as it is relatively easy, rewarding and take little space compared to other animal farms.Rabbit farming can also provide a very valuable source of income in the rural India. Additionally, a large number of rabbits are also required for medical and cosmetic research centres every year.
Rabbit farming or Cuniculture is the agriculture practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits,usually for their meat, fur, or wool. The distribution of rabbit farming varies across the globe and while it is on the decline in some nation, in other it is expanding.
Advantages of Rabbit Farming:
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(1) In general, rabbit breeds eight times in a year.
(2) Female may produce five to eight young’s which attain sexual maturity in four to six months. Life span of rabbit is about seven to eight years.
(3) Slaughter weight of rabbit is about 2 kg, which can be achieved in 12 to 15 weeks.
(4) Rabbits have got fast reproductive process and are able to remate within 24 hours of giving birth (kindling). Their gestation period is about 31 days.
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(5) They consume a large amount of forages from diverse origins and so can be reared on small amounts of costly concentrates.
(6) They can be reared in the kitchen garden/ backyard of farmer’s house.
(7) Apart from providing meat and wool, rabbits also provide income from manure, etc.
(8) Residual feed, together with rabbit manure is highly suitable for vermicompost, which in turn provides excellent manure for fertilising the field.
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(9) Initial investment cost for rabbit farm or rabbitry is low.
(10) Quick returns of invested money, i.e., six months after the establishment of farm.