Published in: December 2017
Raising rabbits is a profitable business. With minimal space, low initial investment, reduced feed costs, and simple maintenance, rabbits can provide substantial income in a short period. Here is an overview.
Rabbits have the ability to convert simple fibrous foods into valuable protein. They can be raised in backyards, terraces, or home gardens. As a business that offers significant employment opportunities, rural youth and women can benefit by raising rabbits.
Types of Rabbits
When purchasing rabbits, factors such as size, reproductive ability, and growth conditions should be considered. Rabbit breeds are classified into meat breeds, fur breeds, and ornamental breeds.
- Meat Rabbits: These rabbits are larger and heavier. Breeds such as New Zealand White, White Giant, Californian, Flemish Giant, Gray Giant, and Chinchilla fall under this category. Fully grown rabbits can weigh up to 3.5 kilograms.
- Fur Rabbits: The Angora breed is suitable for fur production.
- Ornamental Rabbits: Rex and Polish Palomino are raised for their aesthetic appeal.
Selecting Rabbits
To set up a successful rabbit farm, rabbits weighing around 2 kilograms should be chosen. Female rabbits should have 8 teats, and male and female rabbits should be purchased from different sources.
Raising Methods
- Deep Bedding Method: The farm should be located in an elevated, well-ventilated area. A deep bedding of materials like rice husks, wood shavings, chopped straw, and groundnut shells should be placed 6-9 cm high on the cement floor.
- Cage System: Cages can be set up on a level surface. The cage dimensions should be adapted to requirements, with a width of 60 cm and a height of 50 cm. The base should be made of wire mesh with a grid size of 1.8 cm by 1.8 cm and be raised 75-90 cm above ground to prevent rats and snakes from causing harm.
Space Requirements
An adult male rabbit needs 4 square feet, a young rabbit needs 1.5 square feet, and a mother rabbit requires 5 square feet. Breeding and rearing cages should measure 4 feet in length, 2.5 feet in width, and 2 feet in height. Maternity cages for mother rabbits should measure 3.5 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 2 feet in height.
Feeding
- Mixed Feed: To ensure proper growth, a nutritious mixed feed should be provided. A sample composition for 100 kilograms of mixed feed includes 60 kg of wheat or millet, 13 kg of groundnut cake, 25 kg of wheat bran, 1.5 kg of mineral mix, and 0.5 kg of salt.
- Green Feed: Green feed can include fruits, rabbit masal, hedge plants, moringa, cabbage, carrots, beetroot, radish, grass, jack leaves, and purslane.
Daily Feed Requirements
- Young Rabbit: 50 grams of mixed feed, 150 grams of green feed.
- Adult Rabbit: 100 grams of mixed feed, 250 grams of green feed.
- Pregnant Rabbit: 100 grams of mixed feed, 300 grams of green feed.
- Lactating Rabbit: 150 grams of mixed feed, 350 grams of green feed.
Reproduction
Female rabbits reach reproductive age by 5-6 months, while male rabbits take around a year. A female in heat will appear restless, and her vulva will be red and swollen. For mating, a ratio of one male rabbit for every ten females is sufficient. Mating should occur in the morning or evening, with the female being introduced to the male’s cage. Pregnancy lasts 28-32 days, and the female will deliver her litter 29 days after conception.
Rabbits usually give birth at night and nurse their young in the morning. A female rabbit typically produces 5-6 kits per litter and can mate again six weeks after delivery. A female rabbit can give birth 5-6 times a year. Male rabbits can be used for breeding for up to 4 years, while females are suitable for 2-3 years.
Common Diseases
Rabbits may suffer from skin infections, anemia, respiratory diseases, and allergies. It is essential to maintain disease-free conditions and to provide necessary treatment through a veterinarian if an infection occurs.
Dr. K. Devaki and Dr. K. Velmurugan, Agricultural Science Centre, Kattupakkam, Kanchipuram – 603 203.
