Rabbit production under intensive system in rural condition

Abstract

A total 20 (sixteen female and four male) growing rabbits aged 120 days have been distributed at each farmers level in 5 location of Bangladesh; F₁ (Dhaka-Pollobi), F₂ (Savar-Parbotinagor), F₃ (Magura-Boralidhaho), F₄ (Magura-Pannandualli), F₅ (Magura-Radhanagor) to know the production response and cost effectiveness under intensive in rural condition. The rabbits were reared in their own arrangement. Age of sexual maturity, age of first kidding, percentage of does kidded, gestation period, litter size, weaning period, breeding ratio were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the locations. Feed cost per month was Tk. 903, Tk. 732, Tk. 772, Tk. 1221.96 and Tk. 976 for F₁, F₂, F₃, F₄ and F₅ respectively for 20 rabbits rearing. Monthly consumption of rabbit meat per family was 4.5kg, 3kg, 2.4 kg, 6.0 kg, in F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₅ respectively. Kid mortality (0-10 days) was significantly different (P<0.01) among the locations and this value was recorded 8.47%, 11.11%,12.00%, 8.82% and 13.11% in F₁, F₂, F₃, F₄ and F₅ respectively. Farmer earned some money by selling their rabbit which was Tk 10200, Tk7600, Tk8400, Tk12400 and Tk7200 /batch and can earn profit around the 49,564; 39,316; 38,536; 62,336 and 35,688 Tk/year in rearing (7batchs/year) 20 rabbit at in F₁, F₂, F₃, F₄ and F₅, respectively. Rabbit production could be an important micro-livestock component to produce for meeting up extra demand of the country.

Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 19(1-2): 107-111, Jan-Dec 2012