LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
EPISODE1: RABBIT
Rabbits are reared for their meat, skin, fur, manure production, and to generate income. Rabbit can be managed in an intensive system, semi- intensive system, and extensive system.
There are different breeds of rabbit, they are stated below;
1)
New Zealand white.
2)
The California white.
3)
The chinchilla.
4)
The Flemish giant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RABBIT
1)
They are easy to house.
2)
They have a very short gestation period (31
days).
3)
If well managed, the doe can kindleabout6-8
times in a year.
4)
They have small body size.
5)
The doe can produce large numbers of litters at
one kindling.
6)
The doe are prolific.
7)
They grow and mature fast.
PROBLEMS OF RABBIT PRODUCTION IN WEST
AFRICA
1)
Inadequate sanitation programmes.
2)
It is labour intensive.
3)
Inadequate forage in dry season.
4)
High incidence of respiratory diseases such
as pneumonia and snuffles.
5)
High cost of concentrate feed.
FEEDING
Concentrate can be compounded and given to rabbit as a
supplement for weaners, growers and
adult . Rabbit may be fed on wide range of grasses and legumes plants. They are
coprophagous that is they may consume their soft faeces containing bacteria. Commercial
feed for rabbit are mostly in pallet form this prevent dust from getting into
their nostrils and causing respiratory disorders.
IMPORTANT TERMS IN RABBIT PRODUCTION
1)
Buck refers to mature (adult) male rabbit.
2)
Doe is called an adult female rabbit.
3)
Castrate is a castrated male rabbit.
4)
Bunny is young rabbit of both sexes.
5)
Kindling is the act of parturition in doe.
6)
Hutch is a rabbit house.
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