Rabbit Farming
Dear Sir
Rabbit farming
A licence for keeping or farming rabbits is required and is conditional on various criteria being met.
A summary of these conditions include:
* The rabbits farmed must not be the European wild rabbit, or hybrids of wild rabbits.
* The rabbits must be kept in a rabbit proof enclosure.
* The rabbits must not be allowed to roam at large.
* Rabbits over 12 weeks old must be vaccinated (as per code of practice) with rabbit calicivirus vaccine.
* Inspection of facilities by authorised officers under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) will be allowed.
Physical Requirements
In addition to the need for a farming Licence and because rabbit farming is intensive, it is subject to a number of planning regulations in agricultural zones.check with local government authorities. Farming is not be allowed in residential and rural-residential areas.
Sheds for housing rabbits should be dry, vermin proof and draught free. They should also be well ventilated (above rabbit level) and extremes of temperature should be minimised by insulation.
Adult rabbits need at least 0.6sq.mtrs each, and do need a nest box before parturition and up until the kittens are three or four weeks old. The layout and design of the unit will depend on the type of enterprise, whether production is for meat, pelt or angora fleece.
Feed hoppers should be placed high enough to prevent dung contaminating feed. Nipple drinkers are the most popular water source as they prevent contamination from dust, fur or dung.
Production
Intensive rabbit farming needs a high standard of stockmanship. The rabbit is superior to most other livestock in its breeding and meat producing performance. A single doe can produce up to 100 offspring a year, which in turn can gain at the rate of 40 grams a day. Young rabbits can be marketed at 8-10 weeks old.
It is a good idea to start production on a part time basis with up to ten does. This will allow you to find out if you have enough affinity with the animals to succeed. The major expense will be feed, so accurate records are essential to monitor consumption and subsequent costs of production.
Diseases such as enterotoxaemia and myxomatosis can be devastating in a rabbit unit. Every effort should be made to keep mosquitos out (carriers of myxomatosis) and all adult rabbits must be vaccinated for calicivirus. Sick animals should be isolated even if you suspect a non-contagious problem.
Farmed rabbit has a different texture to wild rabbit and has a white meat similar to chicken. It is also lower in fat than most other meats including chicken.
Kirti
|