LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION – RABBIT REARING

Rabbits belong to the group of farm animals referred to small stock. If raised under suitable conditions, their products can be very high. Many people keep rabbits as a hobby while some keep them to make money.

RABBIT REARING

Male – buck

Female – doe

Baby – kit

CHOICE OF RABBIT FOR REARING

1. Ability to grow rapidly,
2. A good converter of food into body weight.
3. Ability to resist diseases (disease resistant),
4. Ability to give birth to many young ones in a litter,
5. Good quality hides and skins.

HOUSING/HUTCHES

Rabbits are kept in cages for safety from harsh weather and predators. Mature rabbits are kept singly in HUTCHES (cages), usually made of wooden or metal materials.

The type of housing for rabbits and guinea pigs will depend on the following factors:

1. Availability of local housing materials;
2. The condition of the environment.
3. The size of the enterprise.
4. The amount of money the farmer has for the enterprise.

RABBIT FOOD

1. Hays
2. Grasses
3. Cereal grains4. Leaf
4. Vegetables
5. Dry bread
6. Pelleted ration
7. Kitchen waste
8. Mineral salt
9. Clean, cool water
10. Concentrates (groundnut, palm kernel, soybean and cottonseed)

DISEASE CONTROL

Rabbits suffer from the following diseases:

1. Sore back
2. Mange
3. Coccidiosis
4. Bloat

Bloat is the swelling of the stomach of animals as a result of overeating green succulent vegetables.

Care should be taken to prevent disease attacks on animals.

FARM RECORDS

Simple records should be kept in the pen to show the following:

1. The breed of rabbit is kept.
2. The mating or breeding date;
3. Birth dates;
4. Number of litters at kindling;
5. Size of litter at weaning;
6. Number of rabbits sold.

 STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

Step 1: The Teacher revises the previous topic

Step 2: The Teacher introduces the new topic

Step 3: The Teacher explains the new topic

Step 4: The Teacher welcomes pupils’ questions

Step 5: The Teacher evaluates the pupils

Evaluation/ Assignment

1. List 4: Choice of rabbit for rearing;
2. State 3 qualities of rabbits.
3. Mention 3 diseases of rabbits and how to control them.
4. List 5 records of rabbit keeping.

See also

Meaning of Weed

MAINTENANCE OF FARM AND ANIMAL TOOLS

Simple Farm Tools

Animal Farm Tools

Farm tools