RABBIT FARMING IN KENYA,

RABBIT FARMING IN KENYA,


Rabbit farming in Kenya has become a popular micro-enterprise, just like animal husbandry. Although it requires a lot of hard work and enough dedication, it has the potential to generate good primary income as well as additional income streams.

It is also very profitable for farmers and young entrepreneurs as they can also start this business as an agricultural business practice to earn money.

In most parts of the world, rabbits are considered pets and may not be considered suitable for slaughter for their meat, and for this reason they are more often considered non-livestock birds. in these regions. Areas.

Rabbit farming in Kenya, officially called cuniculture (from the species name for wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus),, involves the agricultural practice of raising domesticated rabbits as micro-cattle for the production of meat, wool, and fur.

The production of antlers and hides is very profitable, and their meat is also considered the best after poultry.

A budding rabbit breeder should know that he needs good quality breeds of this animal, a good quality home and food. Following these steps will lead you to a successful Rabbit Farming in Kenya,

1. HOW TO START A SUCCESSFUL RABBIT FARMING IN KENYA,

Rabbits are small animals. Therefore, it is very easy to start a commercial rabbit farm in Kenya. Make a good business plan before you start. Here we outline the most important steps to start commercial "rabbit-farming-in-Kenya".

I. Choose Rabbit Breeds - Rabbit farming in Kenya

There are many breeds of rabbits available around the world. Some of these breeds include Dusky Gray (internal), Fox, Dutch, New Zealand White, New Zealand Black, New Zealand Red, Belgium White, and Chinchilla, etc. They are very productive and popular breeds. You can choose the right breed for your production based on breed availability in your area.

II. Rabbit Breeding Method - Rabbit farming in Kenya

You can start raising rabbits either in deep litter or in cages. We describe these two types of parenting in more detail here.

A) Deep Bed Method - Rabbit farming in Kenya

This method is suitable if you want to keep a small number of rabbits. Concrete flooring is best suited for the deep bed system. Make a bed of hay, straw, or wood shavings 4 to 5 inches deep. In this method, you can keep a maximum of 30 rabbits in one house.

Keep male rabbits in a separate room from the female. In the deep-bed system, the risks of disease are high. In addition, sometimes it can seem very difficult to manage the rabbit in this system.

B) Cage Method - Rabbit farming in Kenya

For commercial rabbit farming, the cage method is best. In this system, the rabbits are kept in a wire or iron sheet cage. The cage system is very useful for raising as many rabbits as possible. Keep enough space and necessary facilities inside each cage. Keep male and female rabbits separated from each other. Keep them together in a separate cage during breeding season.

III. Food - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Feeding rabbits is not so difficult and will not cost much. As they are herbivorous animals, grass is good for them, although you can also give them rabbit food and supplements that can supplement their daily diet.

Rabbits fed premixed feed are said to reach the slaughter stage earlier than those fed only grass and hay.

The pre-mixed rabbit should be slaughtered in 10-14 weeks, while the other can take up to 30-30 weeks to reach slaughter age.

On the other hand, the coat of rabbits fed hay and vegetables will be much more mature than those fed mixed rations.

Therefore, vegetables and leftovers are preferred for feeding rabbits rather than pellets. Make sure you have sufficient quantity and quality of hay.

Avoid using certain foods like avocados, as they can be toxic to rabbit health. Do proper research to see the list of foods that are dangerous for rabbits and which one is best for them.

IV. Reproduction - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Rabbits normally become mature and suitable for breeding at 5 to 6 months of age. However, don't use male rabbits for breeding until they've reached their first birthday.

This will ensure quality young rabbits for commercial production. Always try to use healthy rabbits of the appropriate body weight for breeding. Never mate females if they are sick.

Take special care when raising pregnant male and female rabbits and providing them with nutritious food. The gestation period for rabbits is around 28 to 31 days. And each time a doe can give birth to 2 to 8 young.

V. Care - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Caring for animals is very important for the success of raising rabbits. Good care not only keeps rabbits happy, but also helps them grow better.

Monitor their health regularly and always try to keep in touch with a veterinarian in your area.

VI. Marketing - Rabbit farming in Kenya

In some areas, marketing rabbit products is not so easy. Therefore, it will be best if you determine your marketing plan before you start. You can try your local markets or the nearest town.

With proper care and management, you can get the most out of your rabbit farm in Kenya. Always try to take good care of your pets. Feed them quality, nutritious food, keep your home clean, and buy healthy breeds to start with. Hence, you can make your rabbit farming in Kenya very profitable. God bless you!

VII. Water - Rabbit farming in Kenya

We all know that all living things need water to survive and rabbits are not exempt. Feeding rabbits is incomplete without fresh water.

Get a clean plastic or metal container to hold water for these animals. You should change the water your rabbits drink daily to prevent bacteria from growing.

Always keep in mind that rabbits become dehydrated easily. Give them clean water every day using the water container that works best for them.

VIII. Environment - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Keeping the environment clean as always is very necessary, as there are common diseases and health issues that easily affect rabbits.

Some of the diseases that attack rabbits are coccidial infections, mite and lice infestations, other viral and bacterial infections. In addition, they are easily attacked when the environment is not clean or when they are fed contaminated food.

Therefore, it is important to properly disinfect and wash your environment to keep it always clean and dry. A clean environment is an important tool in preventing diseases that attack rabbits.

5 Things to Consider When Starting a Rabbit farming in Kenya | XAXA-FARMS

2. BREEDING AND PRODUCTION OF RABBITS - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Rabbits have many breeds. Studies have shown that there are over 305 domesticated breeds in over 70 countries around the world.

Some of the breeds of domestic rabbits are European Rabbit, Large Chinchilla, Lion Head Rabbit, English Angora, Mini Ram, English Ram, English Point, Wool Jersey, Silver Fox, White from New Zealand, the harlequin, beveran rabbits, a giant continental rabbit and much more. .

Study the races carefully and decide which race you will choose. It is always advisable to start with a particular breed of rabbit and then add others later to avoid mismanagement.

Also, choosing the breed of rabbit you want to raise requires you to consider a rabbit as a pet.

You can use a large breed like an English ram fox, it has enough space to fit a cage that is twice the size of the rabbit. Otherwise, choose a smaller breed like Lionhead.

3. COMMON RABBIT DISEASES - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Some common illnesses and problems seen in rabbits can be prevented by making sure you understand what a healthy rabbit needs and the subtle signs that can tell you that your rabbit is sick. Rabbits are wonderful pets, but it must be remembered that they are closely related to wild rabbits and as such, they hide signs of illness until they feel terrible, as this would make it natural "easy prey". We encourage careful observation of your pet rabbit; proper nutrition, up-to-date vaccinations, and regular health checkups to ensure you catch the first signs of trouble and prevent disease from developing.

i. Inflammation - Rabbit farming in Kenya

These can be due to abscesses, which are common around the head in particular, or to tumours. In most cases, abscesses and tumors appear gradually over weeks. Nevertheless, you can only notice them when they reach a certain size. If you discover any unusual lumps or bumps on your rabbit, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

ii. Holly, Mistletoe And Ivy Poisoning - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Believe it or not, rabbits are not native to the UK. They were introduced by the aristocracy in the 12th century for skins and meats. As a result, many of our native plants are not good for them. One of the most common is ivy. The whole plant is toxic to rabbits, especially the leaves and berries. If your rabbit has eaten ivy, symptoms may appear within hours or it may take up to three days to appear. Signs of ivy poisoning include lack of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, as well as muscle spasms, paralysis and seizures. Holly and mistletoe can also be poisonous.

iii. Loss Of Balance Or Head Tilt - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Head tilt is often caused by bacterial infections of the middle and inner ear or brain infections. Another common cause is the parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which is a major cause of disease and can sometimes be transmitted to humans. Once a rabbit has E. cuniculi. He passes infectious spores in his urine. Transmission to another rabbit occurs by ingesting these spores in contaminated food and water. If your rabbit has been hit, he may have difficulty getting up and his head may continually turn in one direction. Rabbits should be kept as quiet as possible in low light conditions to avoid self-harm.

iv. Loss Of Appetite - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Loss of appetite may occur gradually or suddenly and may be associated with abdominal pain or swelling, mucus instead of stool, increased drooling and dripping and wet hair around the mouth. Although loss of appetite is not a specific indicator of disease, it can be serious as it can lead to lack of stool, also known as bowel stasis. This, in turn, can cause shock due to bacterial poisons. Any rabbit that does not eat for more than four to six hours should be seen by a veterinarian.

v. Myxomatosis - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Myxomatosis is a virus transmitted by the bite of insects, including fleas and mosquitoes. It killed 99% of the UK's rabbit population when it arrived in the country in 1953. It causes gradual swelling of the area around the eyes, ears, anus and genitals and can be mortal. You should always have your rabbit vaccinated by your veterinarian to prevent infection. Nevertheless, if you see any of the mentioned signs, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

vi. Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease - Rabbit farming in Kenya

RVHD is a virus that is transmitted between rabbits through direct and indirect contact, such as contaminated food.

There are two strains of the disease: RVHD1, which has been present in the UK since the 1980s, and the more recently discovered RVHD2. In unvaccinated rabbits, it is fatal and sometimes there are no warning signs. In rabbits that survive the first days after infection, bloody diarrhea is often observed.

vii. Paralysis Of One Or More Limbs - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Paralysis of a leg can be associated with a fracture, nerve damage or dislocation. Paralysis of both hind legs is more likely to be associated with a spinal injury such as a fracture or dislocation. These types of injuries are common in rabbits. Any rabbit showing signs of paralysis should be seen immediately.

viii. Respiratory Difficulties In Rabbits - Rabbit farming in Kenya

If you notice discharge from your rabbit's eyes and nose, as well as noisy breathing, your rabbit breathing rapidly, or breathing with its mouth open, you should contact your own veterinarian These can indicate respiratory infections or heat stress, which can be serious.

ix. Ear Mites - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Ear mite infestation in rabbits is caused by the parasite Psoroptes cuniculiis. The main symptom is peeling skin in the inner ear, which develops into larger, thicker crusty lesions with hair loss around them. The mites are usually not an emergency, but if left untreated, the lesions can become infected, which can lead to loss of balance and hearing. If your rabbit has mites, you may see itching around the ear, head, and neck, head spasms, and thick beige fluid in the ear canal.

x. Fly Attack - Rabbit farming in Kenya

Fly attack in rabbits is a devastating disease that is especially common in hot weather. It is caused by Lucilia sericata, or green bottle fly, which is attracted to wet hair stained with urine or loose stools.

Each fly can lay up to 200 eggs on the skin, usually on an animal's back, which hatch into larvae within hours. The larvae grow by feeding on the rabbit's flesh and can collectively burrow through a large area of skin with frightening speed. The belly, tail, belly and back of the rabbit are usually the most affected.

During the summer months, our emergency clinics see a huge increase in fly cases.

4. BENEFITS OF RABBIT FARMING IN KENYA

"Rabbit-farming-in-Kenya", happy-rabbit




Commercial rabbit farming in Kenya has several advantages. The main advantages of raising rabbits in Kenya are listed below.

• Rabbits are very fast growing animals, like broilers. They mature quickly and become suitable for slaughter in 4-5 months.

• Does have a shorter gestation period (usually 28-31 days) and a female gives birth every 2 months. Each time a doe can give birth to 2 to 8 young.

• Starting to raise rabbits in Kenya requires very little capital or investment. You can even start a rabbit farming business in a small, well-ventilated space.

• The conversion rate of food into meat is higher in rabbits than in any other livestock.

• Rabbit meat is very tasty and nutritious. All types and seniors can easily consume and digest rabbit meat.

• Feed costs for commercial rabbit farming in Kenya are also very low. You can easily feed your rabbits kitchen scraps, herbs, plant leaves, etc. with your usual commercial food. This will help you reduce the cost of food.

• Commercial rabbit farming in Kenya can be an excellent source of income and employment. You can successfully use your family's labor for raising rabbits. Raising rabbits is also very enjoyable and fun.

CONCLUSION

Rabbits farming in Kenya is very profitable and does not require many facilities like poultry, making it a better option if you are not financially stable.

More importantly, they reproduce faster and mature earlier. Rabbits can give birth to 5-9 cubs per birth and just after a month of gestation, which means they can give birth to 40-50 cubs per year.

Another advantage of rabbits farming in Kenya is that they require little space compared to other animals, which provide the highest yield per area for their meat.

Following the carefully prepared steps above will help you get these benefits from keeping rabbits in Kenya.


If you have anything to add from your rabbits farming in Kenya experience, feel free to share it in the comments section below. Our readers would love to hear from you!


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