Rabbit Rearing is a rising industry in India with the animals providing not only meat but also their skin for fur and blankets. The demand for rabbit meat has been growing in the past few years and thus has created a space for people to take up commercial rabbit rearing in the country.
Rabbit rearing is not an activity that requires a huge tract of land and success depends on how much personal care is given to the animal.
Besides rabbit farming, you can also opt for pig farming, goat farming to earn good income.
How to Breed Rabbits
There are two ways of breeding rabbits, the Deep Litter System, and cage system. Deep Litter System: It is a technique in which deep litter bedding of two metres is dug and is used as a bedding material and defecating place for the animal. After some time, a new layer of litter is added on the initial litter and the process is repeated at a regular interval by the farmer.
Cage System: In this, the rabbits are put in a stainless steel cage where they are bred together. Usually, multiple cages are laced and interconnected to provide rabbits with a large place to run.
Fodder for Rabbits
A young rabbit requires extra protein and calcium to grow so he should be fed with alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets. This should be accompanied by leafy vegetables like lettuce, carrot tops, cilantro, broccoli, and mustard. Carrots should be fed in a very sufficient amount as it is rich in carbohydrates and can affect its digestive system.
For an Adult specimen, the diet should be some vegetables such as collard, dandelion, swiss chard, brussel sprouts, broccoli, green pepper, wheat grass. Alfalfa hay should be removed from the diet as the adult rabbit requirement for proteins and vitamins are less as compared to when it is young.
Rabbit Breeds
Angora Rabbits: One of the first domesticated species of rabbits. It is characterised by the long fibre of its coats that is called Angora Wool which is used to make blankets and fur coats.
Flemish Giant Rabbit: The species is tolerant in behaviour and therefore is mostly used as a pet. Apart from that, it is also used for fur and meat.
Grey Giant Rabbit: Also known as the Grey Flemish Giant Rabbit and is native to Russia.
New Zealand White Rabbit: One of the commonly used rabbits in lab testing, the species weighs. Kg and is used for making furs, gloves, and hats.
Economic Importance of Rabbit Rearing
Rabbit Rearing is a profitable venture as it is an important cog in winter wear with High-grade furs being used in making coats and high-end winter wear.
The initial start to a farm can start with as little as 30 rabbits after which the population can be gradually increased in size according to the area.
The meat sells for 100 Rs. kg and is quite nutritious. Another advantage is that proper care and investment can help increase the earnings substantially and as meat-eaters will increase in the country so will the profits and then rabbit meat could become an independent market of its own in which meat and fur are being traded in a well-planned ecosystem
