Rabbit farming in Kenya can be a very profitable
agribusiness for anyone knowledgeable in animal husbandry. Unlike other
livestock farming, rabbit farming requires a low capital investment to start
up.
Indeed, every part of the rabbit is useful. Its skin, which
can be converted into leather is much sought by shoe and bag making factories.
Its fur is used for manufacturing clothes while bones go into the production of
livestock feed. The rabbit’s meat of course, makes for a delicacy when properly
cooked. Live rabbits on the other hand are used as specimens for tests in
laboratories.
Before venturing into the rabbit-breeding business, it is imperative to be well-grounded in the knowledge of the animals, how to raise them and which customers to approach for marketing.
This guide will focus on how to start a lucrative rabbit farming business for personal and commercial purposes.
Rabbit meat is high in protein and lower in fat than other meats. As a result, Kenyan commercial rabbit farming is growing in popularity. Beef, turkey, hog, and even chicken meat are higher in protein and lower in fat than rabbit meat.
Commercial rabbit farming for meat production in Kenya has
received little attention for a long time. Rabbit farmers in Kenya, on the
other hand, are now growing high-meat-producing rabbits for commercial meat
production, and they are making a fine living doing so.
In Kenya, there are numerous advantages to rabbit
farming.
Commercial rabbit farming in Kenya offers a number of
advantages.
The following are the primary advantages of rabbit farming
in Kenya.
- Rabbits,
like broiler chickens, grow at a rapid rate. Within 4-5 months, they reach
maturity and are ready to be slaughtered.
- Rabbits
have a shorter gestation period (usually 28-31 days) and give birth every
two months. A doe can have two to eight babies at a time.
- In
Kenya, starting a rabbit farm involves relatively little money and effort.
Even in a well-ventilated tiny location, you may establish a rabbit
farming enterprise.
Rabbits convert food to meat at a faster pace than other livestock animals. - Rabbit
meat is a delicacy and a good source of nutrients. Rabbit meat is easy to
eat and digest for people of all types and ages.
- Feeding
expenses are also quite low in Kenya for commercial rabbit production.
With their normal commercial feed, you may easily feed your rabbits
kitchen waste, grasses, plant leaves, and so on. This will assist you in
lowering the expense of feeding.
Rabbit farming on a commercial scale in Kenya can be a
lucrative business.
You can start a rabbit farming business with the help of
your family. Rabbit farming may also be a lot of fun.
In Kenya, anyone can start a rabbit farm.
In Kenya, starting a rabbit farm is a low-cost endeavor.
Setting up a rabbit farm and breeding rabbits for a living is fairly simple.
I’m going to explain how to start a commercial rabbit farming business in
Kenya.
Commercially available breeds.
It’s critical to select appropriate breeds for commercial rabbit farming in
Kenya. California White, Flemish Giant, New Zealand White, and various
indigenous hybrid breeds are the most popular rabbit breeds utilized for
commercial production in Kenya.
According to the Kenyan environment and climate, all of
those breeds are suited for commercial production. Breeds should be chosen
based on the amount of output desired.
Housing
The most crucial aspect of rabbit farming in Kenya is to
build proper rabbit housing. Rabbits are a hygienic creature. They prefer to
live in a tidy, well-ventilated environment.
Both deep litter and cage approaches can be used to rear
rabbits. Select a method based on the nature of your business and your
financial resources.
The following are some significant considerations to make
when building a house for commercial rabbit farming in Kenya.
- Various
breeds have different weights, depending on the breed. A rabbit’s adult
weight ranges from 2 to 7 kilograms. In commercial production, 1 kg of
weight necessitates 1200-1500 square centimeters of clean area. For a
medium-sized rabbit, that implies 80cm * 80cm of room is needed.
- For
optimum growth, Doe requires extra space. An adult medium-sized doe can
fit in an 80cm * 115cm area.
- Until
the children or young bunnies reach the age of four months, keep them in a
group. Each group may accommodate 20-30 young rabbits.
- It
is critical to have a well-functioning ventilation system in your home.
Chicken wire netting or bamboo or wood set 20mm apart can be used to cover
the hutch’s walls, entrances, and roofing. This system is ideal for places
with a hot climate.
In colder climates, a house with solid walls and roof is simple to construct. - Make
a drain inside the house to make cleaning easier.
- On a
regular basis, clean the internal feeding and watering equipment.
Feeding
A healthy and productive rabbit requires a sufficient amount
of nutritious and balanced diet food. You can feed professionally produced
extra feed to your rabbits if you want to make money.
This type of food is readily available. Kitchen waste,
grasses, leaves from various trees, and other materials can be added to this.
This will assist you in lowering the expense of feeding.
Along with suitable nutritious rabbit feed, a sufficient amount of clean and
fresh water is essential.
Breeding
Rabbits mature quickly and expand quickly. Within 6 months
of age, they are ready for breeding. When compared to other livestock animals,
the rabbit’s gestation period is shorter.
Every two months, a doe usually gives birth to a fetus. A
doe can have two to eight babies at a time. Gestation lasts between 28 and 31
days.
Administration & Care
Your rabbits will benefit from extra attention and handling.
To maintain them free of any rabbit diseases, vaccinate them on a regular
basis.
Never give them food that has been contaminated or that has
expired. Make an effort to keep track of everything they’re doing.
The most crucial aspect of rabbit farming in Kenya is the
marketing procedure. Unlike chickens, goats, and fish, there are currently no
formal markets for trading rabbit products.
However, due to the growing popularity and demand for rabbit
meat, new rabbit meat slaughterhouses are springing up. Right now, the local
market, restaurants, and supermarkets are all worth a look.
In China and certain other nations, rabbit meat is in high
demand. So, if you have the necessary resources, consider exporting to another
country.
Every company has issues. Make no apprehensions about promoting your goods. There are currently no formal markets accessible. However, the popularity of rabbit meat is constantly growing, as is the consumption rate. And there will be a good marketplace soon. So, if you’re looking for a way to supplement your income, consider starting a commercial rabbit farming operation in Kenya.
Marketing and Sales
Not many people are involved in commercial rabbit production
in Kenya. Because of this, it has been almost impossible for the few existing
rabbit farmers to satisfy market demand. Therefore, once you set up your own
rabbit farming business in Kenya, you are already on your way to becoming a
silent millionaire.
You can make your sales in the local market. If you prefer not to stay all day long selling rabbits, consider getting somebody to sell them for you. Social Media is also a reliable platform for attracting patronage. Unfortunately, poor marketing is the main drawback for rabbit farming in the country.
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