c - Agriculture Research Extension Network (ARENET)

Increasing income through
RABBIT FARMING

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may !be reproduced, stored
in s retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means,
eIectronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise,
without the prior permission of the
copyright owner.
First published in 1998 by Uganda National Farmers Association
NO.. . Printed in Uganda by Uganda National Farmers Asociati~n
Coordinated by Alice Eunice Tiba:talika
Agaicultusal Advisory hfassager

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Uganda National Farmers Association (U16FA) is very grateful to DANIDA for
funding the production of the Farmers Guide Series. We acknowledge the Policy
and Resource Committee (PRC) of the Farmers Organisation Component of the
Agricultural Sector Programme Support who approved the fimds.
Ms Alice Eunice Tibazalika Agricultural Advisory Manager, Uganda National
Farmers Association is highly cornended for initiating and co-ordinating the
development of the books. Appreciatiodgratitude also goes to Mr. Augustine
Mwendya Chief Executive Secretary, Dr. Fleming Eriksen Research and
Extension Advisor and Mr. Sylvester Kamanyire Kugonza Coordinator Farmers
Organisation Secretariat for their ianvahlable professional guidance and editing the
books.
Finally UNFA wishes to thank the farmers and extension workers for providing
some of the illustrations used as well as their constructive adsice on the drafts.

One of the major functions of Uganda National Farmers Association (UNFA) is to
provide agricultural advisory services to farmers. This is aimed at increasing
farm productivity and production in order to ensure household food security.
generation of income and eradication of poverty. Publicaticln of reading materials
is one of the ways in which improved agricultural technologies can be extended to
farmers.
UNFA's agricultural advisory services are demand driven and based on cost
recovery. They are implemented by District coordinators, agricultural advisors,
extension link farmers and contact farmers. The technologies are introduced to
farmers through on-farm demonstrations/trials, courses and visits to special
interest groups and individual farmers. Ilowever, coverage is still limited due to
inadequate resources.
To re-enforce these activities, there is need to avail reading materials on specific
enterprises of interest to farmers. However, even such materials tailored to their
local needs are not readi!y available. This has contribute:d to the slow rate of'
adoption of improved technologies, thus reducing the productiv~ty and
production.
There has been a growing demand by farmers ana prxvate organisations for books
that can guide farmers to manage specific enterprises. To address this problem,
UNFA has produced farmers' books on improved agricultural technologies with
the most up-to-date recommendations in specific disciplines of agriculture. The
books are aimed at giving practical guidelines to the farmer on how to manage his
or her enterprise profitably. For si~sfainable production, wFA encourages all
farmers to take on farming as a business.
It is advisable that farmers get the relevant training first, and use these books as a
reference to re-enforce learning. In addition, they are advised to constantly
consult extension workers in their respective areas, as this combination will lead
to successes in farming.
UNFA, therefore, calls upon all farmers to utilise the information in these books
2nd share it with others so as to cause a. multiplier effect in production.
Hon. ~aikut
Chebet, MP
President,
Uganda National Farmers Association.

Rabbits are not violent and can thus be handled by all members of the
family.
Keeping rabbits is a nice way of utilising things like banana leaves,
maize leaves, sweat potatoe vines, and others,, which would have been
wasted.
2.0 BREEDS OF MBBITS
The most common rabbit breeds kept are:
Dutch
This is black or brown with a white band of fur around its body at the
shoulder and a white band down the middle of its face. It is a small
breed, which weighs 2.5 - 3.5 kg at maturity (see Figure 1).
o Chinchilla
Figure 1: Dutch breed
This breed has a blue grey colour with a white belly. It has a
characteristic ruff or dewlap, which is a thick fold of skin around the
chest. It can weigh 3-4.5 kg when mature (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: Chinchilla breed
~ - -

'(c a~n8!d aas) .IC$!~nym JV 237 S-E y8!a~ up3 $1 -U!YS
puo ~osm poo8 sl! ~oj ~e~ndod hra~ s! pm ~no~o:, u! alyM s! paaJq s!y~
ag!qfi guapaz MaN
- ass) Alun~our ~e 83 y - yg!a~ ua:, $1 -Jnolo:, u! paJ s! I! ley) lda~xa
altyM puoIaaZ M~N aqi st! syspa~~eny:, auras aq) soy paaJq syy~
ua3 ;!qqe~ amnm aql puo )earn pooB sl! JOJ npdod .
s! $1 .I!BI put! Oaaj 'sna 'asou ay$ uo 8ulddg yxqq yl!~ al!y~ s! sry~
aas) A$pn)mu
*(c a~tS16
ie 37 P-E q8!a~

Figure 7: Hutch set up for one male and two female rabbits
4.3 Materials used in the construction of rabbit houses?
a There is a variety of timber that can be used as poles of the rabhit
houses. It is important tl ?at the I: : treated to protc :ct them from
mites. Eucalyptus poles i are stror an be u$ ;ed and the bigger the
pole the longer it will last.
c-.
0 The timl )er used I can be any type and will strongly depend on the
amount of .. mon ley available. The stronger the timber, the more
...
expensive ~t WIII be. The timber used should be of the following sizes:
lin x 12in x 14 feet and 2in x 12'' x 14 feet
The roof can be made of tins, iron sheets or wood. It is very important
that the material used is able to protect rabbits from sunshine and ram
The wall can be made out of concrete or wood. If wood is used, it must
be the strong type which can protect the rabbits against predators and
thieves.
r The flool made ot
(mesh) which enables
. droppings to pass tnrougn easily.
The hutch must have a door with latches and hinges
The materials used should be those which are readily available and cheap.
The hutch must be strong enough to withstand damage from hungry dogs
and thieves. Common materials are eucalyptus or "musambya" for the
frames and legs while "Kirundu" timber is used for the walls.
Figure 8 shows the set up of the material in the construction of the hutch;

Figure 8: Showing the set up of the materials used to construct a hutch
4.4 What are the common design features of an Outdoor rabbit house
(hutch)?
An out door hutch must have the following design features
A sloping roof and three solid walls to provide protection against rain,
wind, sunshine and to keep out intruders.
Weld mesh on top of the door and sideu7alls to provide air circulation
and observation of the rabbits by the keeper.
Wooden slated or wire floors. Self-cleaning wire floors are most
suitable as they will allow the feces and urine to go through.
Strong floor frames must be constructed to prevent predators from
attacking fiom below.
A strong door with a pad-lock must be put to ensure security from
thieves.
Hutch legs at least I, meter high are required to deter predators such as
rats, cats, dogs, snakes and there must be rat and ant traps which are of
great help. The ant and rat traps are usually metalic and empty tin
paints can be used for this purpose.
Shutters, boards, or sacks must be available: so that they are put to
protect rabbits fiom rainstorms at wired sides.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the design of outdoor hutches which are used
by many rabbit farmers in Uganda
Figure 9: Showing the dimensions and desip of an outdoor hutch which
can accommodate one full grown Doe and its young ones
Figure 20: Photograph of an outdoor rabbit hutch
4.5 Location and siting sf outdoor hutches
As earlier stated the hutches are most commonly constructed near
homesteads. Hutches can be placed on verandahs of houses and against
fences as this will give shade and protection from sunlight, rain and wind.
SuEcient sunlight must be ensured to provide both Vitamin D synthesis

and ultra-violet rays for reducing infection in the hutch. However the
hutch should not be exposed to so much sun heat, because heat stress is
one of the conditions that cause mortality in rabbits. Therefore rabbits
must be in a place which protects them from the mid afte :moon heat.
- .J - . Place the outdoor hutches next to the house in oraer . ro provide enough
security against thieves and predators.
'3utches must be constructed such that there is no excessive noise and
make which may seriously affect confort of the rabbits. Rabbits need a
luiet environment during feeding and farmers must locate the hutch in a
place that limits disturbance. Rabbits must be placed as far as possible
fiom the Kitchen to avoid smoke and heat stress.
4.6 Indoor Hutches
In commercial rabbit production on a large scale, it is advisable that the
farmer puts hutches indoors. This is done by construction of a large
building with suficient ventilation and security provisions.
Hutches within the house can be simple and can be made as boxes
suspended from the roof, Sometimes hutches are constructed on the floor
in a house. When the hutches are constructed on the floor, the rabbits can
be kept on concrete floor, which can be kept dry, or they can be kept on
marram floor where they can be allowed to burrow in the underground.
Rabbits can rear their young ones in the bumw. Bucks should be kept
separate fiom does and young ones to prevent unnecessary mating and
eating of the young ones.
Cleanliness must be observed strictly and over-crowding must be avoided.
4.7 Outlay and equipments needed in a rabbit house
The equipment in a rabbit house include the water trough, feed trough,
roughage rack and kindling box. A piece of wood can be placed in the
hutch for chewing because rabbits like to gnaw and chew and can easily
eat their way out of the hutch. This habbit is increased if the rabbits are not
fed properly.
e Water troughs
These can easily be made from a tin and a bottle. The Waterers should
be fixed to the hutch wall or floor to prevent tipping over. Regular

cleaning is a must as the rabbits tend to foul the containers. Figure 11
(a) and (b) shows how the water troughs can be fixed to the wall.
* Feeders
Figure 11: Showing how to fix home made Wat6:rers in a hutch
Adopted fiom Tropical Agriculturist
All hutches must have feed troughs in them which are used for feeding
of concentrated feeds. Concentrated food is very expensive and if used
must not be wasted. Feeders must be fixed on the wall or floor and
should have good depth. Heavy clay containers can be used as they
will not tip over easily (see Figures 12 (a), (b) and (c).
(a): Feed trough fixed on the wall (b): Feed trough fixed on the floor
(c) Clay homemade feed trough
Figure 12 a,b,c: Showing the different types of feed troughs:
10

e Kindling boxes:
These boxes are very important during kindling because they keep the
young ones warm and they prevent them from wondering around the
hutch. Kindling boxes also confine does to enable the young one
suckle in addition to providing a danger free environment to the doe
and it .s young ones.
-- --- -
:-- t --.
Kindllng ooxes are made from wood of the types mentioned in the
section for materials used in the construction of hutches and can have
different designs and dimensions as given .in figure 13 (a), (b) and (c).
Figure 13: Sarnwmg uyr;lr nrzu csvavu luururnng ,~r)xes
4.8 Maintenance sf hutches and equipment
Maintenance of hutch.es is very necessary and must be a daily practice.
After construction of the hutches, they must be cleaned and disinfected
Thereafter they are lefi for 1-2 weeks before introducing the rabbits.
Maintenance of the hutches will then become a daily activity. Farmers
must adopt a routine and a working schedule for purposes of maintenance
of hutches and equipment.

1 Every farmer must decide on the routine to be followed depending on the
level of management helshe intends to achieve.
, I
i However the following routine is suggested and can be adopted by the
farmers
Cleaning of the hutch QW C~UI~II~GIIL ar least every 2-3 days.
Complete cleaning and disinfection between litters using soap and
plenty of water. After washing and disinfection, ensure complete
drying especially by allowing the hutches to dry using direct sunlight.
0 Checking and repairing of all loose boards, tins, wires which may
allow rabbits to escape or predators to enter
0 Checking and prevention of sharp edges which may injure the rabbits
5.0 ACQUIRING AND HANDLING OF RABBITS
5.1 Acquiring of rabbit stock
When acquiring rabbit stock buy from highly productive commercial
sources and farmers should take the following steps
Purchase stock from farms that have been certified to be disease free
by veterinary personnel. Ensure that the veterinary personnel has
conducted a culture and sensitivity test for pasteurellosis as this
organism causes diseases of great economic importance in rabbit
production.
Rabbits should preferably be purchased when they are 3-4 months of
age. After purchasing the rabbits, treat them against coccidiosis before
they are put in the hutches.
Place newly acquired rabbits and those from shows or borrowed bucks
in quarantine for at least three weeks to detennine whether they were
incubating any disease or not. In this way rabbits, which had diseases
in the incubation stage, will be detected and treated before they are
introduced to the rabbit flock.
ARer the introduction of the rabbits in the hutches, they have to be
~bservcd on a daily basis and sometimes it is necerssary to handle them for
examination or reproductive purposes.
5.2 Handling of rabbits
Rabbit management demands that the farmer be well versed with rabbi!
handling techniques. Once in a while the farmer will handle rabbits for
purposes of

Taking rabbit weight for record purposes
Checking rabbits which are expressing signs of ill health
Mating especially when transferring the doe from its hutch to the buck
hutch
Assisting the doe during the mating process
Pregnancy testing
Sexing of young ones
e Marketing
Handling of rabbits c is very important to avoid hurting the
animals and causing tll~lll atless. First and foremost, rabbits are very
peaceful animals and will not hurt the handler unless in pain, where
rabbits have a tendency to scratch. However, some rabbits can -be
aggressive, granting and even biting. Handling should be purposehi and
firm. A small piece of wood can be used to trap the rabbit in a corner to
avoid chasing it around the hutch or cage.
The handling methods t hat can 1 be used include the following:
5.2.1 Holding the rabbit by the ears
This method of handling will cause the rabbit 1:o keep calm in the same
place (see Figure 14)
Figure 14: Showing quieting a rabbit by holding its ears
Caution: Rabbits should never be lifted by their ears because it is very
painful to them. It may also cause stretching of the ears or their base
which may result in the ears beginning to drop.

5.2.2 Handling rabbits by the scruff
In this method, the rabbit is I the skin behind the ears-the scruff It
is important to get a quick g! mce. The other hand can then support
the rabbit under the hindquarters (see Figure 15)
Figre 15: Handling a rabbit by its scruff.
Caution: The handler should avoid long nails.
5.2.3 Handling rabbits by the pelvis
This method is used for young rabbits only. It is .used mainly when young
rabbits me being transferred from the hutch to the basket or box by
handling them by the pelvis or the skin on their back (see Figure 16).
Figure 16: Handling x rabbit by the pelvis

5.2.4 Transporting rabbits
All rabbits brought in or taken out of the farm need to be transported in an
appropriate way, which will ensure their safety. This can be done using
cardboard boxes, or woven baskets. The box or basket must be well
ventilated, but firmly covered to prevent the rabbit from jumping out (see
Figure 17).
Figure 17: Showing a box used to transport rabbits
Afier stocking the rabbits, they n xys be fed on a balanced diet.
. . . ,.
6.0 FEEDS AND FEEBIN(
Rabbits must be fed adequately because tois will determine their
productivity and health status.
6.1 Important aspects to note abou t feeds r and feeding of rabbits?
. .
Feeding is an important activltv tn rabbit kee~inn combined with good
health maintenance.
Rabbits kept in hutch .es are tc
: on the
.
keeper for supply
.. ..
of feeds unlike in case or wlid rabLILa, vvutch ptck and chose their
feeds.
Rabbit farmers should provide good balanced diet for the rabbits.
Rabbits carry a very big advantage in that they can feed on most of the
common grasses and weeds found in gardens and can also feed on
many crop by-products, which could otherwise be thrown away .
* Rabbits are voracious feeders and each could eat more than half its
weight in a day and suficient food both in quantity and quality must
be available everyday
B All foods contain virtually all the needed nutrients but sometimes these
nutrients are at such levels as to be of little value to the rabbit. This is
the reason for concentrate feeding as it is the only sure way of
balancing the diet of the rabbit.

6.2 How do you feed rabbits?
There are three possible feeding systems and the choice of each will
depend on the capability of the rabbit farmer and the market conditions of
the rabbits.
0 Extensive system of feeding
This is total dependency on forage and kitchen wastes. The advantages
of this system of feeding are that of being cheap and the ease of
supplying the quantity of food required. The disadvantages are that
supplies of forage vary in the different seasons of the year and
therefore the quality of feed is not assured and is usually poor. It also
requires alot of labour and there are greater chances of having disease
and health problems.
Intensive system of feeding
This involves total dependency on prepared concentrates fiom the feed
meal or commercial feeds. The advantages of this system are that there
is little risk of disease transfer and a high level of production can be
achieved. Also the nutritional requirements of the rabbit can be met
with certainty. However the disadvantages of this method are very
costly and depends on the supply of commercial feeds, which may not
be readily available.
Semi-intensive system of feeding
This' system falls between extensive in terms of advantages and
disadvantages. It is also the most suitable system for small scale rabbit
keepers as it makes use of the forages which are normally available
and concentrates which can be made at home at critical times such as
pregnancy, lactation and post rearing.
6.3 What are the types of feeds available for rabbits?
6.3.1 Forage sources
Usually rabbits can be fed on most of the grass,es and weeds commonly
found in the gardens and fields. The palatable grasses and weeds, which
can be used as feeds for ra.bbits, are given in table 1

sqqqar JOJ paaj sa pasn aq u ~ $ 3 8 3 S)UB~~
~ ~ :I alq~j~ apnpu! satstm do13 asaqL .anpi qurouo3a su jo uaaq as!waylo anay
ppoM ivql saxmasqns jo uo!tez!lgn aq3 SMOI~ salsm don uo %paad
.saqasurayl
POOJ UOUIUIO~ ayq uoy am03 asayl jo iso~
spod uoaa :slayto 8uowe
-313 s8uyaad oteiod JaaMs pua a~essa:, 'ayse~
slaurlej aqj Aq UMOJ~ S~OJD
.x!ura~d pJaurw pua u!urapA
ayt apnpur ot Jaquraural sAe~1e lsnm s~awrej 'sa1w~ua3uos 8u!x!w uayM
-a~!suadxa' hl~!aj 3.m inq a1anua3uo3 jo ad& tsauomum aql a= sollad
~!qqvq paw poolq pue paw auoq 'uaaq-aLos 'uelq a3u 'm~q ~ a a q ~
'uwq azrem 'alsa~ 11ow hra~a~q 'a~:, paas uoqo3 'aqm tnu punod3 woy
apw a4 urn satwua~uo3 .sl!qqs~ jo ia!p aqt 8upuepq jo L B uppa3 ~
jsoru ayl s! I! SB ~U~UI~~~UBUI yqqm U! iuapodu! an spaaj at.eJluaDuo3
~3!gc%gJ
go sguau~a.i!nba~ paaj alqg h3aat.a jo s;Psoamca JQJ spaaj JO 8u!x!w ~g.9
.matuo:, uraro~d ~!ay~ s~oqs gutr
spaaj ayl jo auros sdno~3 OMI aIqaL qt?~.bua3us:, aqq jo uoyqntmoj aql
u! papnpu! s! paaj teqijo y3nuJ ~ oau!uuaJap y ot pasn aq 1 1 ney~ ~ s~os~g
laq.~:, ayl jo auo si ~ualu03 u!aio~d '~awnj aql 03 a[qeIIaAe spaaj arli
~ cslua!pa~%u! r ayi jo a8pa1~ouy poo8 e sar!nba~ sirclq~~ JO~ spaaj Bu!x!~

Source: Tropical Agriculturist
Group A and B include protein-rich foods and group C and D include
energy rich foods. The following protocol can be used when mixing the
feeds given in table 2.
Mix 4 kg of C with 1 kg of A or
Mix 3 kg of C with 2 kg of B or
Mix 2 kg of D with 2 kg of I3 and 1 kg of A
A farmer who does not have a weighing scale can use containers like tins
or mags and measure the items for mixing in the proportions indicated
when using a weighing scale.
Precaution: Make sure the diff erent fec zds are r nixed w ell and pound them
if necessary to break down any big pieces. Each kll-grown rabbit shouid
be given about 100 gm per day with lactating and pregnant ones getting a
little more. This is of course in addition to the already mentioned forage
feeds.
6.4 When do you give rabbits Feed
The feeding of rabbits should be done preferably in the morning and
evening hours when the environmental temperatures are low. This is
because rabbits are naturally more active in the coolest times of the day in
order to avoid heat stress.
6.5 Are all plants safe as rabbit feeds?
There are a number of plants, which must not be fed to rabbits as they are
harmful to them. These plants include irish potatoes and their leaves,
tomatoes and their leaves, egg plants, sweet pepper, Solanum gilo (ntula)
etc. Also feeds like cotton seed cake should not be fed alone in big
quantity as they contain a chemical called gossypol which can poison the
rabbits.

While carrying out proper feeding, fmers must constantly remember the reasons
which led them to starting a rabbit production enterprise. Most farmers involve
themselves in rabbit production in order to generate income or have readily
available animal protein for the family. Either of these will require that the stock
is well fed for purposes of attaining fast growth rate and reproduction. Increase in
rabbit numbers fiom the existing stock demands the farmer or keeper to have
some knowledge about the reproductive behavior of rabbits.
7.0 WEPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY OF RABBITS
7.1 What are the characteri! a good t ; rabbit?
Rabbits have high growth rate attaining maturity at 5 months for
females (does) and 6-7 months for males (bucks). At this age they
muse start breeding and therefore the rabbits must be fed better to
realize suitable size for mating and reproducing
Goo d breeding rabbits will always have a litter size of 7-9, though the
first litter is smaller.
The mean litter weight is usually 42-50 grams
Any deviation from these paramet ers is considered as a form of infertility
7.2 Emportant aspects of rabbit breeding and reproduction
There are several aspects that a farmer or rabbit keeper must understand
about rabbit breeding and reproduction. These aspects will make a famer
or rabbit keeper detect any abnormalities when they arise. These aspects
include:
The gestation period of rabbits is 30days. After mating the rabbit gets
its young ones within 30 days and therefore the farmer must make
arrangements to manage the young one as soon as the doe is confirmed
pregnant as 30 days is not much time.
. .
e Does are read
patum) - .
A well managed reproduction program for a c
producing 40 to 50 weaned rabbits per year.
mated within : 3-4 wee rks after delivery (gost-
result in the doe
If a doe comes on heat and it is not mated, it will show the
phenomenon of pseudopregnancy lasting 15 .to 17 days following lack
of fertilization of the liberated ova. During these days the doe wili
behave as if it is pregnant and yet it is not.

e Bucks are territorial. Rabbits live in territories whose size depends on
the conditions of food supply. Bucks mark their territories, fellows and
offsprings by the aid of a gland secretion, found in hair follicles under
the chin. Males can also mark their territories by using urine. Because
of this territorial behavior, males take long to adjust when put in a
doe's cage. Therefore for immediate or quick mating, the doe must
always be put in the buck's cage and not vice versa
Noise, smell or any unfamiliar surroundings easily upset rabbits and
will affect the reproductive bahavior of the rabbits.
Rabbits are social animals that live in colonies in which femzles
outnumber males. However does (females) can attack off-springs of
others which can lead to infant mortalities. This is why it is preferable
that each doe be kept in a separate hutch.
When young males reach puberty, adult males try to eliminate them as
rivals by castrating them. Therefore, the young males must not be kept
together with the buck.
7.3 Signs of heat (estrus) in rabbits
One of the routine activities that farmers must engage in is the detection :)f
heat in rabbits. Heat (estrus) in rabbits is manifested by:
Restlessness,
e Swelling and hyperhernia I of exte: ma1 gen italia an1
9 The doe tries to jump intc 3 the nei bouring cage:
The estrus cycle in rabbits lasts 15-16 days and the rabbit should be served
as soon as she is noticed on heat.
7.4 Production cycle
The period from the time .the sex of the rabbit is determined until i-ts
offsprings are weaned is the production cycle. Under semi-intensive
systems this must not exceed 8 months and it is usually 7-8 months.
Therefore the production cycle will have so maay activities to be carried
out by the fmer or rabbit keeper.
7.4.1 Sexing and early growth
Sexing of rabbits can be carried out shortly aRer weaning at 6-8 weeks. It
is very irnpctrtant that it is carried out at this time as 6-8 weeks is the time
when the males and females should be separa.ted and put in separate
hutches. Sexing is carried out using the hand and the sense of vision.

For sexing, holc hit on a rlat surface, then gently push back the skin
around the genital opening using a finger and thumb. In the male this will
reveal the penis as a rounded tube-like structure. In the female the vulva
will be exposed as an oval opening slit to the reproductive tract as shown
in the Figure 18 and 19. At a later stage the male genitalia will be easy to
notice as the testicles will have started to descend into the scrotum.
"A
Figure 18: Male rabbit
(b) Female
Figure 19: Female rabbit
7.4.2 Selection of Rabbits for 'breeding
This is best done when rabbits reach 4-5 months. Rabbit selection is
important as some of the .young rabbits must be retained as replacement
stock by the farmer. While doing the selection, the following factors
should be observed:
Among rabbits of the same age, select the heaviest and healthiest. This
is done because such rabbits are thought to have the potential of
producing offsprings which will perform well.
Select from the largest litter size. Selecting a rabbit on this strength
relies on the fact'tha? it is capable of performing as its mother doe.

7.4.3 Mating
Choose the most health looking and most vigorous
. .
Males chosen should have all t ~s in their scrotum a.t
around 12 week!
There are several C;u~~~~ur;iar~vl~> ..A mating is concerned in the
production cycle of rabbits. Some of these considerations are:
0 Bucks should be older at mating than females i.e. female rabbits can be
mated at 4-6 months while bucks must start mating 5-6 months.
The ratio of does to bucks should not exceed 10 to I (I male for every
10 does).
Mating should be done in the morning or evening to avoid hot
weat her.
Take the doe to the bucl

Q Hold the doe (female rabbit) by the neck with one hand
Put the other hand under the female with one finger on each side of the
tail and push gently backwards.
e This will make the female lift her tail so that the male can mount her.
Agulre LI: snowmg now to nap a ra~lo~t during mating
7.4.4 Haw can ia farmer know that a rabbit is pregnant?
Detection of pregnancy is very important and this is done usually 14 days
after mating. Detection of pregnancy is usually and easily done by
palpation, which is a skill that needs to be developed through constant
practice. The technique is carried out as follows:
Q The doe should be relaxed in a sitting position. The farmer should pass the
fingers gently along the abdomen, between the back legs. If the doe is
pregnant, the developing fetuses are felt as small beadlike lumps.
s To develop the skill of pregnancy detection, farmers may start with
palpation of does at 20 days after mating as the fetuses in these are easily
identified. This will help the farmer develop the skill of pregnancy testing
until that time when helshe gains enough skill to be able to detect
pregnancies of 14.
Figure 22: Showing pregnancy testing by palpation
I

What other features serve as supporting evidence of pregnancy?
In addition to palpa ltion of the fetu ses, farmers rrlust use other factors to
confirm with certai: nty that the doc : is pregnant. The factors that can be
used include:
Refusal of the doe to accept the buck if taken to the hutch of the buck.
However, it is important to note that in some instances pregnant does
can often accept bucks.
e By around 28 days, the mammary gland!; will have developed
significantly and this can be regarded as final confirmation of
pregnancy.
At 29 days, the doe will begin to remove fir fiom her abdomen to
make a nest for the young ones.
7.4.5 Pregnancy:
Pregnancy lasts for 30-32 days and therefore does should be well fed and
conforted. Heat stress and noise should.be avoided to avoid disturbance of
the pregnancy. Five days to kindling, the hutch must be cleaned and a
kindling nest provided. The kindling box should be provided with dry
grass or a suitable soft bedding to enable newly born babies keep warm
and avoid losses due to chilling.
At 29 days, the doe plucks off her fbr and makes a nest. In addition to the
rabbit providing the f3r to protect the young ones against cold, the
shedding of the fbr will help to expose the teats in preparation for
suckling.
Plenty of water must be provided to avoid dehydration. This is because
dehydration can lead to the doe eating one or more of her young at birth or
thereafter.
7.4.6 What happens if a doe has a false pregnancy
The cause of this is mounting of a doe by a doe or the simple presence of a
buck in the hutch of a doe. No fertilization takes place but this situation
will trigger hormonal changes usually associated with pregnancy. False
pregnancies usually last 17-1 9days after which the doe will pluck her hrs
just like in the normal pregnancy. Some does have this as a habit and
farmers must make sure that such does and culled.
This is the act of the doe giving birth. Kindling ust~ally
occurs at night anti
once the process is over, the doe will pluck more fbr to keep her young

warm. Cotton wool could be added to supplement fUr if necessary. The
keeper must keep on checking in cbe some of the youn er off and
miss suckling, which will result into death.
The doe will suckle her young once or twice a day.
7.4.7 Fostering
This means gettint 3 a doc e to acci ept rabbits from another doe and have it
- ..- -
suckle them. This may be nec ;essary where one doe does not have
uficient milk. Fostering is carric :d out as follows:
Mate does on the same day
Litters should be born not mo re than : 3-4 days apart if fostering is to be
possible
Only foster rabbits, which are 5 days old
Remove both the foster and donor doe from their hutches
Carefilly remove the rabbits to be fostered without touching them
directly. Do not disturb those not fostered.
Rub a cloth in dump litter of the foster doe's hutch and wipe each
rabbit to be fostered with the cloth
Introduce the rabbits to be fostered, without disturbing the foster nest.
Leave the newly introduced rabbits for a few hours so that they take on
the smell of the hutch evenly.
Return the foster doe into the hutch ar y her with good food.
7.4.8 Kindling to weaning
The young rabbits must be allowed to suckle colostrum, which is the
concentrated first milk from the doe. Colostrum will enable young rabbits
withstand health problems. Young rabbits should be leR to suckle for at
least 30 days but most preferably 40 days.
7.8.9 Artificial feeding of rabbits
This is possible after 1-2 weeks and is done by us ing a sy: ringe. Cows milk
mixed .with egg york can be used as milk substil Lute. A : little of this milk
can be dropped into the rabbit's mouth. Great care must of course be taken
to avoid milk getting into the young rabbit's lungs, which could cause
pneumonia.
The first two weeks after kindling are critical and therefore good food
must be provided to the doe to ensure sufficient supply of milk. Plenty of
water must also be made available. Concentrate foods must be given at.
this time.

Weaning or separating young rabbits from the doe: This is usually done 6-8
weeks after kindling. Young rabbits should be given rich foods i.e. concentrates
after weaning with plenty of water to avoid loss of condition and after weaning
the doe should be allowed time to recover her conditio~n before mating again
Does can continue breeding until they are 3 4 years old.
8.0 RABBIT DISEASES, THEIR PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Rabbits must be in s :alth in order to bene:fit from the enterprise
Diseases can result in mra~ued growth and even loss of rabbits. There is
high mortality in rabbits between day 1 and two months of age. Therefore
farmers must routinely observe the rabbits for any signs of ill health
accordingly. It is invariably essential that the farmer knows the
characteristics of a healthy rabbit and the signs that are indicative of
disease.
8.1 What are the characteristics
Eats and drinks normally
alth rab
9
Shows alertness, interest and curiosity
IS self grooming
a The fkr is shiny, smooth and clean especially on the front paws and
around the anus
e Has clear bright eyes without any discharges
e Normal temperature of 37-39°C
Normal silent breathing, with breathing of about 40-45 breaths per
minute
o Shows no soft feces on the hutch floor
Normal weight gain in young ones
Maintenance of normal body weight in adults
8.2 How do you tell that a rabbit has ill heath?
Dullness
Change in appearance and habits
Loss of appetite
A dry, dull, harsh, starin{ chy coat indicates that something is
wrong
Loss of hair is only natural during moulting but scurf should not be
present
Etching of the skin
Lameness
Laboured or rapid breathir
Cough
Abnormal discharges fiom the eyes, nostrils, moth vent, anus and teats
Diarrhoea and feces with fetid smell

norrnal contents and colc
ellings may be an indica
scesses or ruptures
e ~udden death. LC..V
Low weigh t gain
Abortions
@ Loss of weight which makes the rabbit feel 'bony'
Unfortunately, few of the diseases of rabbits are accompanied ' by
characteristic clinical signs to allow the farmer recognize them easily.
Therefore farmers should notify a veterinarian immediately they notice
some of the general signs of ill health listed above. The clinical signs and
treatment/control of the common diseases and disease conditions that
cause losses in rabbit production are given in the appendix (see appendix)
8.3 Guidelines of disease prevention/cont
In general for disease prevention and control, farmers must always
manage and take care of housing and ventilation, proper manure disposal,
control of rodents, taking care of the birds that might enter the house and
washing and disinfection of the hutches. Each of these involves many
activities and it is important that the farmer or rabbit keeper develops a
routine of how to attend to each of them.
@ Providing good housing/hutches and ventilation
The way the househutch is constructed should facilitate proper
cleaning, disinfection and maintenance of sanitary conditions
e.g. suitable floors, adequate waste disposal and absorbent
bedding. Good ventilation must be provided as this will allow
movement of air ahrough the building with the objective of
replacing foul air with fresh air containing needed oxygen.
e Thorough cleaning and disinfecting
The hutches must aewavs be cleaned and disinfected. If there
was death of rabbi1 to disease in some hutches, it is
recommended that tf washed, disinfected and Iefi unused
for a minimum of 2 weelts. When bringing in new stock, the
cleaned hutches must be left unused for one month.
Proper manure disposal
I
Disease causing agents may be contained in urine, feces,
exhalation and in the nose and mouth discharges. These
excretions may act as media for gl-owth of disease causing

agents. Therefore excrement should be removed frequently
from the immediate surroundings and manure should be stored
so that the heat generated kills the parasites and microbes. It is
recommended that manure be kept in a covered concrete pit as
this will remove it fiom the surface and will cause generation
of heat that will kill the infectious agents. Spray manure pit
with insecticide to inhibit development of flies.
e Provide suitable feed and water con~;ainers
Avoid feeding off the ground as the rabbits may contaminate
the feed with their excrements. Also there will be a lot of feed
wastage causing diseases related to malnutrition. Water shouid
not wet the floor as this may give a good enviroment for the
growth of disease causing organisms. Coccidiosis is one of the
conditions that can be controlled by keeping the hutch dry.
Control iand destroy rodents and birds
These may spread disease and parasites. Birds may move from
one rabbit enterprise to another look.ing for food and in this
way, spread disease between different farms. The rats may also
spread diseases from one hutch to the other and will in addition
damage feeds and buildings thus reducing profits.
Isolate new rabbits
When introducing new animals, secure a health certificate,
isolate them for a minimum of 3 weeks and thoroughly clean
and disinfect the isolation stall after each animal is removed
1d before animals are introduced
o Proper disposal of dead rabbits
Dead rabbits can be a source of infection. On death of a rabbit,
call a vet erinnriai n to carry out examination and ascertain the
cause of d leath.
*
Thereafter, ~urning of the carcasses can eliminate the
~ssibilitj r of con .tamination of the surrounding. Burial of the
~rcass is another - disposal technique. If this method is used,
-A I---.
uury deep, ai least 4 feet fiom the soil surface.
e Use disinfectants
This is done to create conditions unfavourable for survival of
microbes. Proper cleaning will remove most microbes but in

case of a disease outbreak, the buildings must be disinfected.
Foot disinfection for visitors visiting irnits is desired and this is
achieved by putting a footbath at the entrance of the house.
Always use a veterinarian
Effective health control programs in rabbits calls fbr
cooperation between the farmer and veterinarians.
9.0 RECORDS AND RECORD KEEPING
9.6 Why is records keeping important
Record keeping is important because records:
Provide an early warning of developing problems
0 Provide clues to basic weaknesses in your management program
e Provide information for budgeting purposes
Are used to monitor health of the rabbits
Are used to identi5 major costs
Permit a comparison with other producers
o Provide a basis for seasonal adjustments in management
Records must be as simple as possible to facilitate understanding by the users
of the records. They must be ke~t where they are easily accessible and in a
way which minimizes trans6 one record sheet to another
9.2 Types of records
Records are broadly a :d into individual general arid
financial Records
0 Individual records
These include: Animal number, age, breeding date, health status,
date of birth, weight at birth, growth rate and weight at weaning.
These records are used in culling of non-productive animals and
selecting potential breedei
e General records
In these records the ~g information is kept: Feed
consumption by different classes of rabbits, new purchases. death
losses per period, numbel : of rabl: ,its bred, kindling and number of
times bred.

9.3 Records that must be kept by the rabbit farmers
Breeding recurt
Expected date of kindling and exact pa.rentage of offspring
Heat and services must be recorded
0 Dam's offspring record
Pedigree data which gives the merits of parents of each
offspring
Feed and live weight record
This will enable estimation of feed eficiency, gain in weight
and therefore the cost to produce a kg gain in weight.
Other records kept include: mortality records where a31
animals that die are recorded, health records where it is
advisable to use health cards which show the treatments and
disease treated which should be filled in by the veterinarian at
the time of examinatiodtreatment
Financii
These records must be designed such that they take care of feed
costs, rabbit purchases and sales, health and treatment costs,
labour costs, depreciation of equipment and buildings plias
charges for electricity, taxation, &el and transport costs for
feeds, animals etc.
10. MARKETING OF RABBITS
Marketing of rabbits is a very important component in rabbit farming
Rabbits can be marketed in the follo.
e Selling to prospective farmers
w Selling to supermarkets and hotels
e Selling to individual consumers
Each of these avenues of marketing require some special characteristics.
10.11 Selling to prospective farmers
Farmers who target this market should make sure that they keep rabbits
that have the desired characteristics. The breed must be a good performer
in terms of feed conversion and reproduction. Most prospective rabbit

farmers buy offsprings from rabbits, which are big in size and give birth to
many young ones.
In targeting this market, the management must be excellent and admirable
by many people who visit the rabbit farm.
in .r Selling to supermarkets and hotells
Hotels and supermarkets need a constant supply. Rabbit farmers therefcre,
need to work as grc )ups in order 1 to maintain a constant supply to
supermarkets and hotel Is.
-----..A
Associations may be a lrcbcsaai y ~~l~~ponent in the marketing of rabbits to
big organizations. Visits to the supermarkets and hotels are necessary ir,
order to assure these organizations that there will be a constant supply for
a given period of time.
vidual consumers
This
--
re
-
:quires that the rabbits are sold at a price, which is attractive and
afrordable,, by the individual consumers. It is very important to sensitize
the individual consumers about rabbits as an available source of animal
protein. This can turn out to be the best way to market rabbits as the rabbir
industrv in the country grows.

APPENDIX
Clinical signs, trewtment/control of the co:
condi tions/disorders
Scratching of the ear
result in open sores.
Sits huddled and quiet
liseases and disease
k advise from a veterinarian on
treated and therefore report to the
damp and farmers must avoid them

Appendix (comtinued)
Disease/Condition I Common clinical signs , I
.eatmentlControl
Chlling 1 Mostly affects young rabbits still in I Give adequate protection to the
I the nest I stock by ensuring that the young
I Very young rabbits often die 1 rabbits are sufficiently covered
1 overnight while older ones may 1 with fur in the nest
app&sick for a day or two and then Aim construct the hutch such t ht
I die. I the rabbits are not subjected to
I Scouring may be present / extreme cold
I
Wounds 1 Rabbits can have wound because of I Avoid sharp objects in hutches
injuries by sharp objects especially Since bucks & fight and injure
where hutches have sharp nails I each other, put each buck in its
own house
If an unwilling doe is put to a
buck for mating, the buck may
bitc: it on the back. Where this
occurs, remove the female
imnediately
Wcwnds can be treated using
topical antibiotic sprays
Poisoning A variety of signs especially caused Avoid feeding poisonous plants
I by feeding on pbisonous plant$ I Feed on the recommended non-
- .
I poisonous plants
I -
Cannibalism to avoid protein
-
and other

FURTHER READING
1. The domestic rabbit (1 986), Fourth edition by J.C Sandford
2. The Tropical Agriculturist: Rabbits, Denis Fielding 1991