Rabbit meat production

The increase in the world’s human population and the global recession will inevitably increase the demand for food, including meat, as well as for employment. Great hope is placed on the agricultural sector, which is responsible for the food supply and absorbs employment in rural areas. The slow reproduction rate of ruminant animals and the threat of avian influenza in poultry may cause alternative animals to be sought as a source of protein. The rabbit can follow the need. The potential benefit of rabbit farming includes (i) strengthening food security, (ii) increasing farmers’ incomes, (iii) providing employment opportunities, and (iv) producing healthy, high-quality meat (v) developing the economy rural. The biological merits of the rabbit are well known, such as being small in size, prolific and fast growing, efficient use of seeding as well as pre-mixed diet, and adapting well to various environments.

This indicates that rabbits are potential animals to raise for both micro (domestic) and large-scale (industrial) operations. In Asia there are both types of breeding; for (i) household consumption of meat and small cash income for poor people living in rural areas, as well as for (ii) industry; meat, skins or laboratory supplies. China, Malaysia, and some parts of India can fit into the second category. China is probably the largest rabbit producing country in Asia or even the world. The current situation shows that the objective of rabbit farming in some Asian countries, albeit on a microscale, has shifted towards commercial ends as happened in Indonesia and Vietnam. Moving towards the industrialized production of rabbits, on a small, medium and / or large scale, may contribute to a small extent, but could be important in helping the aforementioned global problems.

SAFE OPERATION TECHNIQUES

APPROACHING A RABBIT:
The safest initial approach with rabbits is to start by stroking the top of the head. Do not offer your hand to a bunny to smell like you would a dog because rabbits cannot see directly in front of their noses. It can scare them and they can bite.

LIFTING:
Rabbits are prey animals and, as such, they get scared when lifted off the ground. They assume they are going to eat them! Therefore, we recommend that you learn to interact with your rabbit at their level – with your nose three inches off the ground! Sit on the floor to read the newspaper in the morning or to watch the evening news; lie down on the floor to read; buy yourself one of those folding chairs without legs that will allow you to sit on the floor in comfort. This way, you can interact with your bunny without scaring or restricting her. This is a great way to get to know her personality and have fun with her.

The spine of a rabbit represents only 6% of its body weight. It is extremely fragile, so extreme care must be taken when handling your new friend. Can you see the natural “C” curve of your spine? Straightening your back and kicking violently can break your spine and become paralyzed, so be careful to keep your spine always curved. Rabbits should NOT be picked up by the ears or the back of the neck. Instead, cup your butt with one hand, resting that arm along your body. Slide your other hand under his chest and bring it toward your body, resting his feet against you and tucking his head under your chin. Once your feet are settled, you can move your hand from under your chest to over your shoulders, with your index finger on one side of your neck and your thumb on the other. This is a great way to control her because you can prevent her from jumping out without hurting her in any way.

GIVE:
If the rabbit struggles violently, you may want to squat down and release it rather than trying to restrain it. Avoid jumping from heights because you could break your back. It’s easier to catch a loose rabbit than to care for a crippled one!

CLEANLINESS
• Comb your bunny at least once a week. If it has long fur or if it is shedding, you should comb it daily.
• Trim his nails ~ every six weeks
• Check and / or clean your anal tassels ~ every six weeks
• Rabbits don’t need baths! If your rabbit has a dirty bottom, clean it by dripping water on the area and soaking it until you can remove the feces. Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.

HEALTH PROBLEMS
• If your bunny misses a meal, try giving him some banana or another snack to see if he will eat it. If she doesn’t eat for at least 24 hours, take her to the vet!
• Sneezing, watery eyes or nose, and lethargic behavior are other signs of poor health. Consult your vet!
• If your poop begins to shrink or lose its shape, see your vet. Diarrhea should be considered an emergency.

DISEASES
Rabbits should be inspected daily for any signs of poor health. All sick rabbits and those exposed to disease should be isolated and quarantined. Dead rabbits must be removed immediately and disposed of hygienically. These precautionary measures will reduce the spread of infection in rabbit farming in cases of communicable diseases. It is better to prevent a disease outbreak than to cure, and more so because most diseases do not have a ready and effective treatment. Disease control has been one of the main obstacles for new rabbit farmers. It is vital that you seek as much information as possible about the health of rabbits.

Pasteurella is a bacterium that is common in animals, generally causing few ill effects in healthy rabbits in a low-stress environment. When bacteria multiply rapidly, the most common manifestation of pasteurellosis is the condition called snorting. Pasteurellosis is also manifested by pneumonia, abscesses, watery eyes, vaginal discharge, enlarged testicles, and sprains. Snorting is characterized by a runny nose and is extremely contagious. Strict sanitation and good ventilation are required for effective control. The condition can be easily suppressed with antibiotic treatment, but its cure is difficult. If the cold is not treated, rabbits will begin to die of pneumonia. Abscesses are usually seen in the subcutaneous areas and can be treated with antibiotics. Cocci, a protozoan parasite, cause diarrheal disease and / or liver damage.

Hepatic coccidiosis is of great concern for rabbit farming. Sulfaquinaxilone is one of the drugs available for the control and prevention of cocciosis. Veterinary assistance is needed for the supply and use of a coccidiostat. They are usually administered in drinking water or feed. Prevention of coccidiosis can be helped by daily removal of fecal matter from cages with a wire brush. The myxoma virus causes a devastating disease called myxomatosis. The virus was introduced to Australia to kill wild rabbits. It can be transmitted from wild to domestic rabbits through mosquitoes and fleas, which act as mechanical vectors. Rabbits of all ages are affected and swelling of the eyelids, lips, face and ears is noticeable in the chronic form of the disease. Keeping flying insects out of the hutch is vital to preventing this disease. Immediate culling of affected animals is the best way to prevent further spread of the disease. There is no treatment or vaccine for myxomatosis available in Australia.

Calicivirus causes the disease commonly known as Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD) or viral hemorrhagic disease. It is used for the biological control of wild rabbits in Australia and is transmitted through flies, mosquitoes, direct or indirect contact with animals and through the air. Most adult animals die quickly, showing few clinical signs, although fever, blood-stained mucus, and respiratory distress may be seen in some cases. Kittens up to 4-5 weeks old seem to have some natural resistance against the disease. Protection of breeders with the RCD vaccine is essential. The first dose of the vaccine can be given at 12 weeks of age and a booster dose after 12 months of age is essential.

MARKETING
The following information has been collected from rabbit breeders in New South Wales and Victoria. It is a guide only as to the marketing agreements that operate in the industry. Regional groups of rabbit breeders have worked together to establish certified rabbit slaughter facilities, such as specially built abattoirs or as part of existing livestock slaughterhouses. Marketing of the meat is usually done by one of the larger producers, the slaughterhouse manager, or a meat wholesaler associated with a particular slaughter facility. The important point for new farmers to appreciate is that there is no established marketing system statewide as we see for other livestock industries.

Marketing your rabbits will mean tapping into groups that are already established or establishing your own from scratch! However, there appears to be good domestic demand for rabbit meat, especially in the colder months, and there is plenty of room for growth. Prices paid for rabbits vary from group to group and are in the range of Rs 300-450 per kg clothed weight. Rabbits are usually dressed to 50% of their live weight at the time of slaughter. There is a small residual value for hides and by-products. Slaughter costs are approximately Rs 50 per rabbit.