Today I discuss the Guide Commercial Rabbit Farming Kenya. Do you want to start a new business? Are you looking for an entrepreneurial venture that is low risk and has a high potential for profit?
Then commercial rabbit farming in Kenya may be the right opportunity for you. Rabbit meat, fur, meat by-products are all highly profitable commodities in the market today.
Commercial rabbit farming in Kenya can be lucrative if done correctly. This article will provide 10 tips on how to get started with commercial rabbit farming in Kenya so that your farm is successful from day one!
Guide Commercial Rabbit Farming Kenya
There are many misconceptions about rabbit farming. You might think that rabbits are dirty, smelly creatures who will poop all over your house if you keep them in it- but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Rabbits are actually very clean animals and they don’t need to be bathed or groomed as dogs or cats do. They can also happily live outdoors in a hutch with plenty of fresh hay for bedding and their food. If you’re considering commercial rabbit farming Kenya is a highly profitable10tips to have.
Benefits of Rabbit Farming in Kenya
All breeds of rabbits can be farmed for meat. They must, however, be raised in a clean environment to ensure the safety and quality of the meat. Cuniculture (the farming and harvesting of rabbits) is not widespread because:
Rabbits require less space than other animals such as goats or sheep to produce the same amount of meat. This makes them an ideal alternative for small-scale farmers who cannot afford to run large livestock.
Rabbit meat is high in protein and low in fat, making it the healthiest red meat available. Rabbits are notoriously easy to raise since they can be fed on kitchen scraps or even semi-wild vegetation such as thistles.
Breeds For Commercial Production
There are three breeds of rabbits that have been specifically developed for commercial farming:
1. Californian:
The Californian breed weighs around 3.5kgs when caught at 9 weeks old; they are ready for cull at 16 weeks of age, producing 2 to 3 litters per year..
The Californian is raised purely for meat purposes and does not make good pets due to their aggressive nature. They are fine for a single doe but to increase profits you may wish to consider using the New Zealand breed instead.
2. New Zealand:
The New Zealand breed is a white-furred rabbit that has become very popular with commercial farmers due to its gentle nature and large size. They are raised purely for meat purposes, particularly their hindquarters.
3. Flemish Giant:
The Flemish Giant is the largest breed of rabbit, weighing up to 9kgs at 8 months old. They are not as popular as the other breeds because they take much longer to grow and slaughter; they also eat more food than the Californian or New Zealand breeds.
This makes them not as profitable. However, if you want to raise a large amount of meat at once they are the breed for you!
Housing & Feeding Rabbits
Rabbits can be kept in hutches that are either free-standing or attached to a shed. They should have adequate ventilation, drainage, and shade from the hot sun. Your hutch should also protect the rabbits from predators such as dogs, cats, and foxes.
Rabbits can keep themselves warm by piling up their hay bedding therefore they do not need to be housed near the house.
All your rabbits should be fed good-quality hay and commercial feed, depending on their sex (females require 16% protein; males require 18%). Only give them fresh vegetables once or twice a week in very small quantities.
Care & Management of Rabbits
One of the most important things when it comes to rabbit farming is to manage your herd in a responsible way. It’s important that you check all rabbits at least once a day for health issues, injuries, and parasites.
Dispose of sick or injured animals immediately rather than risk the spread of disease by leaving them in with other healthy rabbits. Parasites such as worms should also be treated immediately
Conclusion
When it comes to commercial rabbit farming in Kenya, you can’t afford to know these 10 tips. Whether you’re looking for ways to make your business more sustainable or increase productivity and profit margins, this list will provide some helpful insight into the world of commercial rabbits.
With a little hard work, good management skills, and attention paid to detail, anyone can become successful at raising and selling high-quality meat products that customers love!
