Abuja Farmer Sheds Light On Rabbit Farming In Nigeria

Rabbit farming is one of the fast growing micro-livestock enterprises. Rabbits are extremely nurturing, intelligent and curious animals. They are one of several farm animals with multiple advantages.

Unlike lots of other livestock, they are small, docile and easy to handle. Even the largest breed of domestic rabbit, the Flemish Giant, maxes out at a very manageable 22 pounds (10 kg). Well-bred rabbits from good stock are not aggressive, easy to pick up and move, and kids love interacting with them.

An experienced rabbit farmer, Mr Tayo Ayinla, the director of Wise Trust Farms, sheds more light on the status of rabbit farming in Nigeria.

He said,“Rabbit farming in Nigeria is a growing type of farming. It is not really as popular as poultry farming, fish farming and other livestock farming. I think the edge that rabbit farming has over other livestock is the health benefit that rabbit has. I believe that if people come to the realisation of rabbit meat for instance, it will further speed up the growth of rabbit farming in Nigeria.”

He said rabbit farming could be sustainable in developing countries due to the following reasons. First, rabbits can be raised on a grain free-diet. Second, rabbits are characterised by fast growth rate, high fecundity, high feed conversion efficiency and early maturity. With good husbandry, rabbits can produce above 40 kits per annum compared to one calf for cattle and up to two kids in goats. Third, rabbits are considered free from odour, noiseless, and can adapt in many ecosystems, unlike many of the larger ruminants. Lastly, research shows that farmers in developing countries have started showing interest in information and communication technologies.