RABBITRY FARMING

COMMERCIAL RABBITRY FARMING

The concept of rabbi try is established very late in India and kick started late nineties. However, the commercial rabbit is in full swing from 2006 onwards and the farmers especially in southern states enjoy all round benefits from rabbitry farming.
The cost of the project: 650 Female Breeders and 20 Males

Particulars	600 rabbits
1. Shed - 7,000 sq.ft @ Rs. 100/- per sqft (each breeder rabbit requires at least 7 sq ft and Each set of 4 growers requires the same space, hence one breeder requires 2 extra cabins for its kits – weaner and for grower stage- 600 x 7 and 2[(400x7)] for growers)	9,00,000
2. Cages for rabbits (including fixing) 220 cages @ Rs. 2,000/- each	5,50,000
3. Feeding tray and water tray 240 sets @ Rs.150/- each	36,000
4.Grass Cutter and feed grinding machine ( 100 Kg Capacity )	30,000
5.Cost of breeder rabbits 670 @ Rs. 500/- each + Transportation	4,02,000
6.Lighting and fittings	34,000
7. Mineral Water Plant 200 L/hour	82,000
8. Azolla (18) & Spirulina (4)Tanks – 22 tanks @ Rs.3	66,000
Total Cost of the project	21,00,000
Financed by :
Own Contribution 25%	5,25,000
NABARD Subsidy 25%	5,25,000
Long Term Finance from Bankers 50%	10,50,000

The viability of Rabbit rearing(II Year onwards)

Particulars	Amount (Rs.)
The Income
No of males	20
No of females (considered for 600 rabbits only)/td>	600
No. of kindlings	8
No. of kits ( at an average of 5 Kits per kindling)	24,000
Less: Mortality (5%)	2,400
No. of Live kits	21,600
Weight (in Kgs)	1.800
Total Weight (in Kgs)	38,800
Rate per Kg (in Rupees)	90
Income ….Rs	34,99,000
Dry Feed Cost 1,40,800 @ Rs.6.00 Per Kg	8,44,800
Green Feed Cost 4,64,000 Kgs @ Rs.0.50 Per Kg	2,32,000
Wages ( @ 4 persons per 100 Rabbits) 6 workers @ Rs.6000/- pm	4,32,000
Power & Maintenance	40,000
Medicines & Medical care	2,20,000
Vet consultancy & visiting charges	2,00,000
Depreciation	2,10,000
Contingencies at 5 % on sales	1,75,000
Interest on term loan (@ 12.75%) – for the first 2 years	2,50,000
Total Expenditure	26,03,800
Net Profit	8,95,200
Add: Depreciation	2,10,000
Net Cash Accruals	11,05,200
Borrowings	10,50,000
Return on investments	1.10 : 1.00
Cost of raising one rabbit	120.00
Realisation per rabbit	162.00
Income per rabbit	42.00

The term will be repaid within 5 years including a moratorium period of one year. The interest on term loan has been considered at 12.75%

FEED REQUIREMENTS OF RABBIT FARM :

	Animals  in numbers	Quantity in Kgs
Animals	Ingredients	Rabbit farm with 600 breeders
Males		20
Females		650
	CONCENTRATED FEED REQUIREMENTS
	Male  @36.50Kg/year (20 Breeders)	800
	Female  @61 Kg/year (650 Breeders)	40,000
	Growers @ 4.60/period (21,600 Kits/Year)	1,00,000
	Total  Quantity	1,40,800
	Rate % Kgs Jowar/Maize 14.00 20 28,200 De oiled soya/sunflower cake 14.00 10 14,200 Powdered Legume leaves (Green grass required 2,15,000 Kgs) 3.00 30 42,200 Azolla 0.30 40 56,200
	COST OF GREEN FEED
	Male @182.50Kgs/year	4,000
	Female @182.50Kgs/year	1,10,000
	Grower @16.20Kgs/period	3,50,000
	Total  Quantity	4,64,000

Consumption particulars of animals in various stages :

Dry Feed

Dry(Concentrated feed)	Days	Quantity in gms per day	Total in Kgs
Male breeder	365	100	36.50
Female breeder(pregnancy period)[30 days x 7 kindlings]	225	120	27.00
Female breeder (lactating period))[20 days x 7 kindlings] Other days	140	240	33.60
Total			61.00
Kits	12	30	0.360
Weaners	30	60	1.800
Growers	30	80	2.400
Total			4.60

The female breeders have to be fed on 3 rations i.e., first stage of pregnancy (from the date of mating to 15 days)100 days @ 120 gms per day, from 15th of day of pregnancy to delivery ( 15 days ) @ 140 gms per day and during lactation period ( i.e., 1day of delivery to 20th day) @ 100 gms each time in the morning and evening. Add 2% salt to concentrated feed before feeding.

Dry Feed

Green Feed	Days	Quantity in gms per day	Total in Kgs
Male breeder	365	500	182.50
Female breeder	365	500	182.50
Female breeder	365	500	182.50
Kits	12	100
Weaners	30	200
Growers	30	300	16.20

The requirement of ingredients and harvesting thereof :

1. Jowar / Maize/Millets : This can be harvested in an acre and the yield per acre would be around 500 Kgs and the dry leaves and stems can be dried & ground to be used as feed.

2. The dried leaves of jowar /maize plants can be obtained from maize cultivating farms at a cheaper or throwaway price. The cost involved is drying and grinding of the dried matter.

4. The green feed requirement for powdering and for feed form is as under :

Desmanthus, Stylo Scabata etc For powdered feed ( quantity x 5 times) allowing 80% moisture . [42,200 X 5]	QUANTITY (Kgs) 2,11,000	Varieties of Legume grass Variety Yield per acre % Required acreage Desmanthus 60 Mt 94 10 Stylo Scabata 30 Mt 2 1 Stylo Haemata 30 Mt 2 1 Flora 05 Mt 0.50 -- Azolla 700 mt 30 0.50
Desmanthus, Stylo Scabata etc Greeen Feed Requirements	4,64,000
Total Feed Requirements	6,75,000
Area required for cultivation	13 acres

Cost of Cultivation :
Lease rent for  land     @ Rs.12,000/- per year	1,56,000
Cost of Seeds	80,000
Ploughing, sowing etc	20,000
Weeding	20,000
Pest & Insecticide	20,000
Fertilisers	20,000
Contingencies	24,000
Total (Rs.)	3,40,000
Yield (Kgs)	6,75,000
Cost of Green Grass per Kg in Rupees	0..50

The preparation of concentrate feed ( Dry Feed )

The formula for the preparation of feed for rabbits : 300 rabbits for a year

Ingredients	Quantity	Rate	Value	Protein %	Protein   in Kgs
Maize cultivated/	..	..	..	..	..
Maize Procured	28,200	14.00	3,94,800	8	2,200
De oiled cake*	14,200	14.00	1,98,800	28	3,900
Powdered leaves	42,200	3.00	1,26,600	16	7,600
Azolla	56,200	0.30	17,000	24	13,400
Spirulina/Casein Protein	100	400.00	40,000	60	65
Mineral Mix	100	40.00	4,000	..	..
Toxin Binder	100	20.00	2,000	..	..
Chicory Powder	100	50.00	5,000
Amla Powder	50	200	1,000
Grinding etc			40 ,000
Total Cost per Kg % of Protein	1,36,750		829,200		27,165	Rs.6.0020.00 %

De oiled Soya cake or sunflower or safflower or canola also be included if the prices are affordable or the purchases may be made during season to gain price gain.

GUIDELINES TO RABBIT REARING

Rabbit rearing is simple if the modern and scientific approach is followed and the fattening of rabbit becomes easy with little time spent on every day. The rabbit does not require care for the whole day. The grower has to spend about 2 to 3 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening.
The major role played for feeding the animal dominates the fattening concept. The feed has to be prepared in-house utilizing the materials grown on the farm available on the area exclusively allotted for cultivation.

The azolla cultivation:

Azolla is a floating blue green algae, a symbiotic cyanobacteria anabaena azollae is a nature's gift not only for livestock but also for nitrogen fixation for plants and green manure. It enhances the yield of all crops and controls the weed. This is also called as mosquito fern, since mosquitoes cannot penetrate azolla cover to lay eggs. Further the excess yield may be sold to farmers and thereby acts as a income generating source besides helping the farm in feed supplement. [ Please write to me for the latest cultivation method for higher production]

The simple way to grow azolla : (for culture pits)

1. The Pit

Dig a square or rectangular pit at your convenience and availability of space measuring 2m x 2m x 0.50 m or 3 x 3 x .05 or 3 x 2 x 0.50 etc. Keep all the corners are equal in height and place a silpauline sheet. Spread soil * ( if available fertile soil) for 5 cms height.

2. The Mixture

Mix cow dung in water or rabbit litter slurry ( if slurry is not available – mix cow dung in water for 5 hours and filter it – the filtered water is slurry) about 10 litres, along with mix 30 gms of super phosphate, 20 gms of ferrous sulphate, 20 gms of muriate of potash and 20 gms of Magnesium sulphate add 5 litres of water and mix the components. Then pour the liquid onto the pit. Then add sufficient water to raise the level by 75% capacity of the pit. Then place 1 or 2 kgs of fresh azolla mother culture. Azolla, if the condition is good and favourable, multiples double in 3 – 4 days. If no ingredients are available, use 50 gms of Meat & Bone Meal Powder per week/per pit.

3. Yield

Every day or once in 2 days remove 60% or 75% azolla ( 3 – 4 Kgs appx ) for feed or for manure or vermicompost . The removed azolla be washed in fresh water and the water be poured onto the pit. The cleaned azolla is mixed with the feed as detailed above.

4. Maintenanace

If the culture is brown or any other colour other than green, may be due to excess fertilization, or more heat. To control sufficient water be added and provide sufficient artificial shade. Once in 10 days add 30 gms of super phospahate and 20 gms of Magnesium sulphate along with 30 gms of Mineral mix to the pit/pond. Spray water in the afternoon on the azolla bed especially on the azolla. Clean the whole pit once in 6 months and prepare a new pit as detailed above.

4. Uses

1. Feed Supplement : The azolla is used as feed supplement, green manure with an ability to fix nitrogen, and also spread on the field and this helps the plants to grow and stops the growth of weeds 2. Vermicompost layer : Azolla decomposes very fast and this be made as a layer in the vermicompost and the other contents will also decompose early facilitating early production of vermicompost 3. Organic Manure : Owing to its organic nitrogen fixation this is used as a basal dose and applied on the wet land paddy field to stop the growth of weeds and to increase production by 20%. Dried azolla on the wet land decomposes and becomes a manure.

5. The nutritional value

Azolla contains 20 – 25% protein, and 13 out of 20 amino acids important for growth and health. Further it also contains important minerals that are essential for animals in fattening and also helps the females during lactating period. It also contains vitamin A, Vitamin B12 and beta caroteins which are very much essential for the animals. The azolla is a good feed supplement and this can be increased up to 70% of the feed and sometimes this may be fed even 100% ( especially for weaners and females during the period of lactation). The production is easy and if more is harvested this may be dried in the shade, powdered and mix it in the feed as one of the ingredients of the feed as stated above. This cheapest cost effective feed given by the nature has to properly utilized for the overall performance in the feeding section.

6. Special Care

During summer and hot and other hot and long sunny days the azolla turns brown and the yield may also be low. This is not a serious problem, however, articifical shade is provided or water has to be sprayed on azolla tanks 2 or three times during day time and this problem does not occur in the future. If more azolla is produced use the same as fertilizer for the grass farm or dry to make powder to be added to the concentrate feed. The yield gets doubled in every three days therefore plan the number of pits to meet your requirements.

Green Grass ( Cultivation of Legume Grass)
[Desmanthus Virgatus – Hedge Lucerne-, Stylo Scabata, Stylo Haemata]

1. Preparation of land for cultivation

The farm has to ploughed 3 or 4 times by applying vermicompost 1200 Kgs or farmyard manure at 10 tonnes/acre along with super phosphate 350 Kgs, Muriatic of Potash 50 Kgs and Urea 50 Kgs as basal dose. Keep the land ready after removing weeds and unwanted materials. These materials may be sent to the vermicompost section for layer fillings. Using cultivators path ways for sowing seeds and waterways are to be made with 11/2ft high and with a gap of 11/2.ftr. This diagrammatically explained below : The desmanthus seed has to be boiled for 3 minutes and dried for better germination.

The places marked 1 is sown with desmanthus and marked 2 with lucerne or stylo scabata i.e., the desmanthus has to be sown in the first row and the lucerne in the next two rows. This would facilitate better shade for lucerne in the summer to avoid yield reduction in yield. .

The distance between two lines 1 to 11/2 ft The height of the heap 1 ½ ft The desmanthus seed is sown on three places on the heap with a depth of 1/4 inch and in between gap about ½ inch. Only 2 or 3 seeds are sown and never sow more seeds. The small circle (o) indicates the sowing pattern of Stylo Haemata and or Stylo Scabata. Stylo Haemata /Stylo Scabata and Sesbania Grandiflora ( Avissa in telegu) is sown in six places on the heap with equal distance and 10 to 15 seeds on each place. For both the above plants the vertical gap between the two plants must be kept at least 6 inches.

1. Watering

First immediately after sowing seeds. The second watering after 7 days. The third watering after 15 days and regularly for every 10 days

2. Weeding

First weeding 3 weeks after sowing. The weed has to be removed every 6/8 weeks and regular protection from weed

3. Harvesting

Harvesting : After flowering in both cases, then every 20 days for lucerne and 20 -25 days for desmanthus. The lucerne is protected by desmanthus against direct sunshine during summer. The yield may be low in the case of Lucerne during summer but desmanthus will grow rapidly during this period. By proper protection of both the plants the yield becomes steady and sufficient.

4. Manuring

Apply urea 30 Kgs after every harvest. If azolla and vermicompost are available, vermicompost at 40 Kgs and 30 kgs azolla may be spread on the field for better growth and high yielding. If azolla is spread like a bed spread throughout the farm, this would benefit us by protecting from weed as well as fixes nitrogen to the plants to enhance the growth and high yield.

Other Crops

Flora along with winged beans are grown in all corners ( marked 3 as above) including the rabbit farm shed, this gives leguminous leaves, seeds etc. Flora may be given at 20 to 30 gms per day for growers and lactating female breeders. All parts winged beans are leguminous and used as feed and this fixes nitrogen to the plants to enhance the growth and high yield.

Pest & Insect control

Lucerne : The root rot disease is reported everywhere and 5gms/20lts Trichoderma mixture has to be made and poured to the disease affected plant and also a dose for all the plants for protection. However, this is present only during October to January and timely care shall eradicate this disease. If appears after the above treatment, and if fungus formed on the roots, prepare 5gm/30lts dithane to spray to all the disease affected plants. The yellow weed is a serious problem in lucerne farm. This has to be carefully watched and remove the weed or the plant and sow new seed. The better way to protect is better surveillance. Desmanthus The desmanthus is usually affected by Psyllids and the presence of it is identified by the yellowing of leaves of the plant especially on the ground level. Aciphate 5gms/20lts has to be sprayed to the plant to protect the plant from this disease.

Collection of seeds

The collection of seeds are very much important since these seeds are costlier and has good demand in the market. The right period is between December to February. At the start of the period a row or an area has to be allowed for seedling and start collecting the seeds from February onwards. Safely keep the seeds for next sowing or for marketing. Good Lucerne seed yields for 2 – 3 years and desmanthus about 4 – 5 years.

For preparation of organic spray like panchagavya or dasagavya you may contact your consultant in person

The Spirulina Cultivation

Spirulina is a nutritious protein feed supplement and is also used in the manufacture of several medicines. Spirulina plays a major role to boost immunity of the kits and also a good medicines. This promotes health, weight and a disease free animal. Spirulina eradicates oocysts,ecoli and exterotoxemia and the rabbits will be reared disease-free. If properly used from day one onwards the growers can achieve organic meat by putting an end to the use of antibiotics forever.

Cultivation of Spirulina

1. The size of the tank.

A cement tank has to be constructed measuring 5ft x 4 ft x 2ft (to hold water up to 700 lts). The inner portion of the tank has to be with fine finish to enable quick cleaning. Drainage arrangement has also to be provided to remove water.

2. The Culture

The culture is available everywhere and has to be made available in good quantity for production

The Feed
Ingredients (daily)	Quantity per litre	Quantity required	Rate	Total Value (in Rs)
Sodium bicarbonate	8g/L	4 .00Kgs	20	80.00
Sodium Chloride	5g/L	2.50Kgs	10	25.00
Urea	0.029g/L	1.00 Kg	4	4.00
Pottassium Sulphate	0.50g/L	2.50 kgs	8	20.00
Magnesium Sulphate	0.16g/L	0.80 Kg	8	6.40
Phosphoric Acid	0.005ml/L	2.50 ml	6	0.20
Ferrous Sulphate	0.005ml/L	2.50 ml	8	0.80
		Total daily expenditure for  500 gms production		136.40

Daily production : 500 gms
Daily input as feed supplement : 100 gms
Daily production of Spirulina ( dry powder ) : 300 gms
Annual Production of Spirulina (300 days) : 90 Kgs
Cost of production of Spirulina(300 x 136.40) : Rs.40,920/-
Sale of Spirulina Powder @Rs.300/- Kg : Rs.27,000/-
Cost of Feed Additives ( 300 days @ 100gms per day) : Rs.13,920/-
Cost of Feed Additives Per 100 gms : Rs. 46.40 Ps

The Cultivation Procedure :

Fill the tank with 75% water and add the solution prepared as above. Agitate the water for 10 -20 minutes for three times a day. The culture gathers on top of the water, which is collected by a filtered cloth. Wash it gently with fresh water and use 100 gms for feed addition and the rest for drying up. Repeat the procedure regularly for continuous production. In case of warming climate provide a temporary shelter. The tank has to be cleaned every six months and fresh water has to be replaced.

Now the farm is having if follows simple & cost effective vermi compost unit to recycle all the waste, azolla, organically grown feed requirements and the farm will have every possibility of achieving organic meat which is going to be the future demand.

Rabbit Rearing

1. The Male care

Deworming

The male rabbit called as bug has to be kept away from female rabbits ( does) and they are fed regularly with the feed as explained earlier. Once in 2 or 3 months de -worming has to be done by mixing 2 gms of Levimisol Hydrochloride for 3 days either supply orally or mix with the feed. The well grown male will successfully mate with females only after 6 or 7 months.

Mating

If the male does not show any interest, Aloes compound tablet has to be given by mixing it with the feed at one tablet a day for 3 days. If no improvements are noticed consult your veterinarian. While using for mating, use them exclusively at night times or early in the morning hours. The males should not be used for mating daily and be used only on alternate day basis. In a day each male has the capacity to mate with ten females. Therefore, healthy male is the first success of the rabbit rearing.

Feeding

The ration for male is a fixed one and does not subject to change any time. The males are fed 80 – 100 gems of concentrated feed in the morning supported by 100gms of green grass. Feeding water is essential and checks the water levels three times in summer and once in other seasons. In the evening, the male has to be fed with 400 gems of desmanthus and that's all relating to feeding. Sometimes, due to change in climatic conditions etc., diarrhea is noticed. The male during this time refuse to take food and water and appears to be dull. To cure this, entroquinol tablet 1/2ml water has to be orally supplied for 2 or 3 times. Normalcy will be restored in 2 – 3 days. Do not keep two males in a cabin and this is highly risky. The male's performance is checked regularly by means of records and if it is not successful to the farm, the male may be sent for slaughter

2. The Female care:

1. De-worming

The female rabbit, called as doe, has to be de-wormed once in 2 or 3 months. De-worming has to be done by mixing 2 grms of Levimisol Hydrochloride for 3 days either supply orally or mix it with the feed.

2. Feeding

The ration for female is subject to change every stage and carefully followed for the better health and performance. 1. Before mating : 100gms concentrated feed in the morning supported by 100 gems green grass and in the evening 400 gems green grass. 2. After mating : from the date of mating to 15th day 120gms of concentrated feed in the morning supported by 100 gms green grass and in the evening 400 gms green grass. 3. from 15th day of mating to the date of delivery 140gms of concentrated feed in the morning supported by 100 gms green grass and in the evening 400 gms green grass. 4. After delivery : From day 1 to 20 days 100gms of concentrated feed in the morning supported by 100 gms green grass and 100gms of concentrated feed and 400 gms green grass in the evening.

Mating

If the male does not show any interest, Aloes compound tablet has to be given by mixing it with the feed at one tablet a day for 3 days. If no improvements are noticed consult your veterinarian. While using for mating, use them exclusively at night times or early in the morning hours. The males should not be used for mating daily and be used only on alternate day basis. In a day each male has the capacity to mate with ten females. Therefore, healthy male is the first success of the rabbit rearing.

The female ration is not a fixed one and does change from time to time as detailed above. Feeding water is essential and checks the water levels three times in summer season and once in other seasons. Sometimes, due to change in climatic conditions etc., diarrhea is noticed. The male, during this time refuse to take food and water and appears to be dull. To cure this, entroquinol table 1/2ml water has to be orally supplied for 2 or 3 times. Normalcy will be restored in 3 days. The female attains maturity after 4 months and 20 days. The rabbit becomes restless and more active in the morning and at the time of feeding. This is the indication of female's willingness for mating. This has to be noticed carefully and take the female to the male's cage for mating. The mating process will be done within a short time and the male makes a peculiar sound by falling on any side and the mating is successful. Sometimes, the female is willing to mate for two or more times. This has to be done preferably with the same male. After the mating, the female keeps itself in any corner of the cage. This also resembles the mating is successfully completed. And the female is taken back to its cage. Under no circumstances the females are allowed to stay in the male's cage for a long time and the male may continuously like to mate with the female and the disturbed female will not show good results. The active and restless behavior of the females inside the cage, or the vagina will be in blackish red color or blackish violet color. This is the right symptom and females co-operate with the male for quick and more number of times. If this procedure is followed the kits will be in good health condition with no mortality at the time of delivery. However, if the females refuse to mate with the male, the mating process may be deferred for some time. The female has to be administered with aloes compound tablet for 2 days at 2 tablets per day. Thus the females are induced to mate with the males and the mating process will be successful and continuous in the future. Good feeding and clean atmosphere do not bring any problem.

4. Pregnancy check

The pregnancy is checked either on the 10th day or on 15th day by a gentle touch of the abdomen, one can feel the young ones in a slightly bulge form. Care has to be taken while doing this. Further, the female's weight will be slightly more and maintains absolute calm in the cage. While feeding this can be noticed, further the female rabbit runs to a corner to safeguard itself. The other method is allowing the female for mating. If it stoutly refuses with a noise, then it is confirmed that the female is pregnant. If the female accepts mating then the earlier pregnancy is aborted and the new date has to be noted down. Care has to be taken while doing and under no circumstances the male should not allowed to mate with the pregnant female. The first 15 days ration has to be maintained or after confirmation of the pregnancy the female has to be fed with a higher ration as detailed in the feeding column

5. Kindling or Delivery :

The female becomes restless on the 27th day of pregnancy and it concentrates making nest type of arrangements for the new born kits. It refuses to take food and water. If the grass is fed it may use the grass for making a nest. The female takes more care for the kits to be delivered. At the time of delivery, the female should not be disturbed under any circumstances. Care has to be taken only to provide sufficient water. The new born kits, after delivery started sucking milk from the teats. Then the mother doe takes little care except to feed milk in the morning or in the evening and sometimes both the times. Proper arrangements have to be taken to make a bed using coconut fiber with a small partition, so that the kits movements are restricted. Otherwise the doe may overstep on them resulting in mortality. The doe has to be fed with concentrated feed and water for two times a day as stated in the ration schedule. If the milk is insufficient laptadon tablets for 3 days at 2 tablets a day may be given to the does. The mother does not care the kits anymore except milking. A record has to be maintained about the dates so that the female can be mated on the right time and date for continuous breeding. This simple information reveals the information about the next date of mating, two times feeding for females for better lactation and the day of separation of kits from the doe.

The female delivers the kits on the 28th day of pregnancy and sometimes 2 or three days delay may be noticed. During winter season this may be delayed even a week or 10 days. If the female is restless and overstepping the on kits, refuse to milk the kits and other abnormal behavior is noticed in some cases. Care has to be taken to allow the doe for mating immediately and the doe maintains its normalcy. Generally healthy breeders opt for mating immediately after delivery. This is practiced in many places and this type of breeding is intensive breeding. However, this does not restrict milking kits. The better procedure is to allow the does for mating after 15 days from the date of delivery. It may be noticed that the female eats kits after delivery on account of some reasons which has not been taken care of. This is cannibalism. This is very rare in rabbi try. However, sometimes rabbits eat its own kits – the reason being non availability of water and insufficient fiber in the feed. It is seen that the females delivers 10 or 12 kits. The concentrated feed has to be raised for better milk yield and no special care is necessary. In such cases, the next mating date may be delayed by another one week. If the female is unable to care all the kits then the kits are shifted to foster mother i.e., to another doe with less kits. While shifting the kits, the kits have to rubbed on the body of the foster mother gently and keep the kits in the cabin. The female does not refuse this process and milk all the kits. The mother doe along with the kits takes feed and drinks water thereby the kits are practiced to take feed and drink water. This is the only support expected from the does and the does do not take any other care even if something happens to the kits.

Kits Care

First 18 days (from day 1 to 18 days)

The new born kits are blind and deaf. They can only smell the mother doe and its teats. The new born kits shall weigh above 70 gms are excellent and between 50 and 70 gms are better and below 50 gms are normal. The first kind gains more weight than the last one. To compensate, cow colostrums is fed continuously for 5 days up to maximum quantity of 10 ml allow the kits to gain more weight. (Contact your consultant for the recent developments in this area ) The kits suck milk and sleep all the time till it opens eyes on the 10th of its birth. In case cow colustrum is not available, the Spirulina powder cultivated will be used. The Spirulina powder mixed with potable water and fed to the kits from day one at 0.30ml and to raise the quantity. The kits are fed with Spirulina powder up to 18 or 20 days till the kits consumes water of its own. Then the Spirulina powder is mixed with water at 1mg powder for 10 kits. The kits are fed Spirulina powder by using a syringe after removing the needle. The kits like to drink and grow better with boosted immunity. If Spirulina is fed carefully and properly, the mortality is reduced to 2 or 3% and sometimes nil. The weight gain will be at the required level with diseases kept away from the farm. Most pathogenic diseases like coccidiosis, exterotoxamea etc will be eradicated. This has to be continued till the date of sales for better weight gain results. The weight of the kits shall be above 250 gms on the 10th day of its birth. There are chances of getting up to300 gms per kit are noticed if Spirulina is fed. The kits during this first 10 days and up to 18 days of its birth exclusively depend on its mother's milk. The mother breeder's care is utmost important for better growth results of the kits. Sometimes the kits may oversleep and thereby miss the mother's milk. Does milk their kits either in the morning or in the evening. These oversleeping kits are to be identified and feed colustrum or Spirulina so that it gains its energy and if this is not done within 24 hours the mortality is unavoidable. The kits get its fur either on the 4th or 5th day. Till such time it has to be kept well in the coconut fibre bed. The kits move for milk as and when it wish and during winter season due to excess cold may chill the new born kits which results in mortality. Perfect care necessary to make artificial bed with coconut fiber and the kits are to be kept safely during the first 10 days.

Second from 19 days to 30 days

From 19th day onwards, sometimes earlier to this day, the kits started chewing grass and from 22nd day onwards the kits started eating feed also. The rate of consumption increases day by day and feeding (dry feed and green feed) should also include the quantity required for the kits. The kits eat & drink along with its mother and on the 30th day it will be independent in its feed care. Sometimes, the kits even on the 24th day started consuming feed and grass feed and this is the right time for seperation.
Disease 1 Diarrhea: The kits shift its interest from mother's milk and consume dry feed and green feed. Sometimes, on account of indigestion the kits are dehydrated on account of constipation and diarrhea results. Diarrhea at this stage is fatal. The mortality may be from 10% and sometimes even 100%. The symptom of this disease is identified from the anus of the kits. The anus will be watery with foul smelling litter spread around the area. The kit becomes inactive and refuse to take feed and water.
Health care : Vencocci 1gm/2ml water/4 kits has to be fed to the kit orally and kept alone for sometime. 2gm/5ml water /8 kits is mixed with the feed or water for the other kits in the cage. The affected kit shows immediate response and the medicine has to be continued for 3 or 4 times by either mixing it with water or feed. If the breeders show such symptom the same treatment should be administered.Disease 2 Enterotoxamea : This is also occurred on account of indigestion and t is highly contagious . The immediate and noticeable symptom is debility. The mortality will be 40% to even 100%. The symptom is white litter with dullness of kits. The kit keeps itself in a corner with raised fur coat. The ears will be positioned down. Severe sweating is present on the face and on the front legs. It does not take feed or water. This can be identified easily and delay results in mortality.

Health care : Vencocci 1gm/2ml water/4 kits has to be fed to the kit orally and kept alone for sometime. 2gm/5ml water /8 kits is mixed with the feed or water for the other kits in the cage. The affected kit shows immediate response and the medicine has to be continued for 3 or 4 times by either mixing it with water or feed. If the breeders show such symptom the same treatment should be administered.Disease 2 Enterotoxamea : This is also occurred on account of indigestion and t is highly contagious . The immediate and noticeable symptom is debility. The mortality will be 40% to even 100%. The symptom is white litter with dullness of kits. The kit keeps itself in a corner with raised fur coat. The ears will be positioned down. Severe sweating is present on the face and on the front legs. It does not take feed or water. This can be identified easily and delay results in mortality.
Health care : Ciprofloxin 1gm/2ml water/4 kits have to be fed to the kit orally and kept alone for sometime. 2gm/5ml water /8 kits is mixed with the feed or water for the other kits in the cage. The affected kit shows immediate response and the medicine has to be continued for 3 or 4 times by either mixing it with water or feed.
Disease 3 Snuffles & cold : This occur on account of pasteurulla bacteria present in the cage. The cage has to be kept clean and water bowls have to washed and sun-dried. The symptom of the disease is continuous sneezing and a while fuss released from the nose. This is contagious and immediate care is absolutely necessary.
Health care : Doxycycline (plain) 1gm/2ml water/4 kits has to be fed to the kit orally and kept alone for sometime. 2gm/5ml water /8 kits is mixed with the feed or water for the other kits in the cage. The affected kit shows immediate response and the medicine has to be continued for 3 or 4 times by either mixing it with water or feed. If the breeders show such symptom the same treatment is administered. Disease 4 Excessive eating : During this period the kits tries to eat feed or grass as quick as possible which results in indigestion. There is no mortality in this case. However, the kits become dull and refuse to take feed or grass. No diarrhoea symptom is found.
Health care : In such a case gripe water or any carbonated water or lukewarm water is orally fed to the kits. Sometimes a 0,20ml dose of castor oil is found beneficial. The kits are removed from the cage and kept on the top of the cage for observation. The kits regains its normalcy in 3 hours and may be replaced in the cage.

The Third ( 30 days to 60 days

During this period the kits are separated from its mother. The right time for separation is in the morning and that too before feeding. The kits, after separation, from the cage to a new cage and feeding the animals have to be arranged immediately. The kits eat and settle in the new cage. In the water Oxytetracycline is mixed 1gm/4kits/5ml water for atleast one week. This avoids the problem of isolation. The feed has to be raised as well as the grass feed. The growth rate has to be checked each day and a growth rate of 38 to 42 gems must achieved in these period. On the sixtieth day de-worming has to be done. It is ideal to separate male and female kits during this time to gain the optimum growth. The kits of other breeders can be mixed only during this time and never after this. Each cabin can be allotted to 4 or 5 kits. If they are growing well 2 – 3 may be kept in one cabin. Fur eating is noticed during this period and those disturbing animals have to be identified and kept separately.

The fourth ( 60 days to 90 ) :

The growers have to be fed with the new ration and no disease is reported during this period except diarrhoea. The diarrhoea is not fatal during this time and this could be cured with human medicines also. The growth rate has to be watched at 28 – 32 gms during these periods. The growers eat at a fastest rate during this period, but excess feeding should not be practiced. It is not useful and the growers waste the excess quantity in the cages. The growers have to be kept for sale by the end of this period. While selling do not feed dry or grass feed, if so, the buyers adopt the practice of deducting 100 gms from the final weight towards undigested feed.

Frequently occurring problems and remedies thereof

1. Animals refuse to take feed and water

Check the feed if the salt is mixed or not. The feed may be in a pasty form rather than in loose form. Correct this. Diarrhoea may be a reason and check this and give two tablets of entroquinol, one in the morning and the other in the evening orally. If foul smell is found, administer vencocci 1gm/2ml/breeder for 2 or 3 times for immediate recovery. If all are in good condition yet refuse to take feed means, if it is a female it may day of delivery, if not supply gripe water or G-stress 2ml for 2 times.

5. Animals refuse to mate

The animal may be pregnant, if not supply 3 tables aloes compound for 2 days and the male/female inclined to mate. Do not force animals under any circumstances nor keep the female in the male's cage for a long time. The male sometimes harm the female. Unless the female is inclined to mate, postpone it for 2 or 3 days. The females inclined to mate only if it possess good health.

6. Nails trimming, is it necessary ?

Yes. Before allowing the female for mating the nails have to be trimmed up to 3 mm and this helps the female not only to avoid injuring kits by overstepping but does not injure the growers while handling

How long or how many times the mating is done?

The mating has to be done with only one male for one or two times. If the female is willing even after that, the symptoms are raising the tails and run over the male, smell the male organ and induce male for mating, female mating the male etc. If this is noticed the female is allowed to mate with another male and the female should be taken back to its cage. Never allow the female to stay in the male's cage for long time since the male is likely to disturb the female continuously for mating.

5. What is pseudo pregnancy? How to avoid pseudopregnancy ?

The pseudo pregnancy is present in any female if the mating is not in order or complete. The female presumes that the mating is completed and does everything except delivering the kits. This is pseudo pregnancy. This occurs if the female is kept for more time with the male, if the male is kept adjacent to the female and the male's continuous disturbance, under nutrition and unhealthy females etc. Tonophosphan injection 2ml for 2 days be given intramuscularly to regain normalcy.

6. What are the feed formula combinations ?

The first one is 50% green azolla, 30% jowar/maize, 20% powdered lucerne, desmanthus and other leguminous grasses added with 20gms of mineral mixture per 10 Kg and 10 gms of salt per 10 Kg. The azolla percentage may be increased to 90% depending upon growth and availability. Feeding more azolla or desmanthus powder does not create any problems. Regarding green grass lucerne 30% and desmanthus 70% for breeders. And lucerne50% and desmanthus 50% for growers yields better results.

7. What to do if the female breeder eats its own kit(s) ?

Insufficient fibre food is the main problem for this attitude. Supply sufficient water and check the fibre content in the feed to solve this problem.

8. What to do if the growers do not gain weight?

Weight gain exclusively depends upon the nutritious feed and following the dietary regularly. The main reason for lesser weight gain is diarrhoea. Check the animal and provide suitable treatment. However, the weight lost is lost and could never be regained. Therefore, the grower has to be careful at the time of feeding and watch that all the growers eat at the same speed and spirit. To be more effective overcrowding of growers should be avoided for better control and supervision.

How many kindling are best advised and why ?

Six or seven kindlings per year is advisable and profitable. The animals can be put for intensive breeding i.e, more than 10 kindlings per year provided the ration and health care is scientific. In a year a female breeder can deliver kits along with the grand children. The number of kindling is secondary but the health care and nutritious food is primary. If the intensive breeding is followed, the female has to be sent for slaughtering after the 20th kindling.

10. Should the breeders be bought regularly?

Not necessarily. The healthy females – with the consultations of your veterinarian may be used for. Health care and nutritious feed should be taken care of.

11. Do the female care all the kits if it kindles more than 10 kits at a time ?

Of course yes. There are 10 or 12 teats present on the chest of the female and all the 10 kits can suck milk without any difficulty. The feeding should be raised to cope with excess milk yield required for by the female. However, it is safer to shift some of the kits to a foster mother ( that has kindled lesser number of kits).

12. Should I use medicine regularly ?

No and not regularly. Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, by continuous supervision, healthy feed, clean environment do not bring any disease. The better system is not to use any medicines after separation of the kits or use lesser medicines as a special case. Use Spirulina properly for better performance of the farm.

13. When the female is replaced or sent for slaughter ?

Normally all the females deliver more than 200 or more kits in its life time. The peak performance will be in the first 3 years. If the female delivers 1 or 2 kits continuously, then as a first option change the male or mate with another male in stock, if the same performance is repeated the female is deserved to the slaughtered. The same principle is applied for the males also.

14. What is ear canker and how it is to be treated ?

It is an allergic form of disease. The affected animals should be fed with 5 ml course of Hitek ( in 3 days ) and also apply Loraxene ointment on the affected surfaces.

15. Is there any vaccination for rabbits ?

No. There is no vaccination for rabbits.

16. What is the treatment for injury to rabbits ?

Apply calendula ( homeopathy ) lotion on the injury and the recovery will be very fast. Sometimes the female may overstep on kits causing injury to the kits, the male may bite the female after completion etc. Calendula is the right medicine.

17. Some kits are reluctant to take feed and takes only water. Is it serious ?

Of course not. The rabbit can drink only water and survive for more than a week. If it is not interested or less interest is shown, check for diarrhoea, if it is not present, then add 1ml palm oil per Kg of feed and this problem will be solved.

18. Is there any incurable disease in rabbits ?

Yes. There are two diseases namely ear mange and paralysis. Both are caused by paesteruella. To cure it becomes a costly affair and slaughter or removal is better. The cage has to be completely cleaned and heated up to temperature of above 90C using a flame gun or gas gun. The pasteruella is eradicate only under this method. Whenever the symptom is noticed to drive the bacteria out, this method has to be strictly followed.

19. What is the optimum level of growth in grower rabbits ?

The following table gives you a better idea to achieve maximum growth in growers

Period	Best in grams	(Averagein gems
On the day of birth	70	40 – 50
On the 10th day of birth	260 - 300	200 – 250
On the 42nd day of birth	800 - 950	700 – 800
On the 60th day of birth	1500 – 1600	1200 – 1400
On the 90th day of birth	2200 – 2500	1800 – 2000

20. What is the maximum number of kits grown in a single cage ?

To start with in a cage there may be even 5 or more kits. When they grow and to help growth, better feed intake etc., in a cage 4 animals in a cage are ideal. It is better to separate male and female on the day of separation.

21. Shall I feed more feed to gain weight gain in a shorter time?

No. The ration for feeding should be strictly adhered to. More feeding leads to indigestion and other complications that is harmful for better growth.

22. Shall I switch on to intensive breeding at time at my wish ?

Of course yes. The lot depends on the nutritious feeding and proper care.

23. Shall I use winged beans seeds as combination in the feed structure?

Yes. Winged beans or Goa beans seeds, leaves, stems, flowers, roots etc are all edible. This can be grown along with flora for better feed for rabbits and it fixes atmospheric nitrogen to other plants.

24. What is the maximum amount of flora leaves fed for the rabbits ?

Flora leaves may be fed to the rabbits specially during lactating periods and for growers also up to a maximum of 20 gms per day.

25. The desmanthus is growing fast and 3 ft tall with brown color stems and rabbits are not eating stems as it did before, how to correct this problem ?

This indicates overgrowth. Do not delay cutting if it grows more than 1 1/2ft at any time. Normally the rabbits eat only the greener of tender brown stems if any delay in harvesting the desmanthus the rabbits may refuse to eat the brown stems. However, these brown stems are cut into pieces, dried and powdered for mixing it with the dry feed.

26. Shall I grow some chicks in the rabbit farm ?

As a scavenger the chicks eat all the dropped dry feed, green feed etc and cleans the floor area. However, there are lot of chances to eat the new born kits by the chicks and care should be taken while allowing the chicks inside the farm and supervision till it is taken out from the farm is absolutely necessary.

27. Shall I feed mango tree leaves ?

Yes. However, these leaves can be collected a lot, powdered and mixed with the feed up to a maximum of 10%.

28. What to do if the kits are chilled due to climatic conditions in winter ?

You may warm the kits by placing the kits well above the flames or heat till the body is warmer and replace it in the cage after adding more coconut fibre in the cage.

29. Should I supply lukewarm water to the kits in winter ?

If the winter is penetrating, keeping lukewarm water for drinking for both breeders and growers are advisable. The water intake will not be reduced during these period, if such practice is followed during summer.

30. Do I have problems if rats are allowed inside the farm ?

Rats are dangerous in every aspect. They not only contaminate the feed but also injure kits resulting in mortality. Keep rat poisoning or rat repellant inside and all the corners of the farm to safeguard rat menace.

31. How long shall I maintain the mother breeders ?

The mother breeder is capable of rearing 200 – 250 animals in its life time. The first three years will be the peak period and if it kindles 2 or less than 2 kits, then the female breeder may be sent for slaughter.

32. Is red urine a problem ?

Of course not. The colour of the urine does not matter. However, if red urine is noticed mix 2ml of hydrogen per oxide in 10 ml of water and after 30 minutes use this water for drinking purposes for 2 or 3 days.

33. Is there any medical care kit ? if so what are the medicines required for ?

1. Hytek oral - foot rot and canker

2 Loraxene cream - - " –

3. Aloes compound tablet - mating

4. Laptodan tablet - milk booster

5. Vencocci or Micro C powder - diarrhoea

6. Cipron powder - enterotoxamea

7. Doxycycline (plain) powder - cold & sneezing

8. Levimisol powder - de-worming

9. Cycostat powder - kits starter

10. Tonoposphan inj. - pseudo pregnancy

34. Can I feed egg to the young ones?

Yes. The kits can be fed with Spirulina and egg so that the young ones will gain the optimum weight and free from most of the diseases. However, this should be administered carefully and continuously for 20 days and later in water or feed for 50 – 60 days to get a healthy animal and also quality meat. By this method mortality can be reduced to a greater extent ( some farms have achieved 0% mortality). If Spirulina is fed properly the use of synthetic medicines is ruled out. With proper guidance and care the farm can achieve its organic rabbit meat to meet the international standards.

The Rabbit Meat – how superior to other meat

Special Features

HIGHEST PROTEIN

LOWEST FAT

LOWEST CALORIES

LOW SODIUM

LOW CHOLESTROL

FARM FRESH MEAT

NATURE'S MOST HEALTHFUL

TASTES DELICIOUS

KNOWN NUTRITIOUS MEAT

Farm raised lean rabbits slightly sweet meat, with a closely textured flesh that has virtually no fat and is very high in protein.

Rabbit meat is an alternative food and if compared with chicken and mutton, with the additional advantage that is commonly raised without the use of hormones and steroids.
Farm raised lean rabbit meat is slightly sweet, with a closely textured flesh that has virtually no fat and is very high in protein. Rabbit fat contains less stearic and oleic acids than other species and higher proportions of the essential polysaturated linolenic and linoletic fatty acids.
Rabbit can easily convert the available protein in cellulose rich plats, whereas it is not economical to feed these to chickens and others.
Rabbits are an alternative food and if compared with the additional advantage that it is commonly raised without the use of hormones and steroids.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER MEAT
	Calories kcal	Water	Protein g	Fat	Ash	Sodium	Calcium	Phosphorous mg
BEEF
lean meat	195	66.50	20.00	12	1	65	12	350
fatty meat	380	49.0	15.50	35	0.7	65	8	350
MUTTON
lean meat	210	66	18	15	1.4	75	10	350
fatty meat	345	53	15	31	1.0	75	10	350
PORK
Lean Meat	260	61	17	21	0.8	70	10	350
fatty meat	330	54.5	15	30	0.6	70	9	350
CHICKEN	200	67	19.5	12	1	70	10	300
RABBIT	160	70	21	6	1	40	20	300

The Organoleptic properties of rabbit meat, like those of other species are tenderness, juiciness ad flavor. The younger rabbits are slaughtered, the tendered the meat will be. On the other hand, flavor tends to develop with age. Although little research has been done on this it is known that flavor improves with the quantity of internal fat in the muscle. In the same way, juiciness depends largely on the fat content of the carcass. The fatter the carcass the lower its water content, but the better it retains what juice it does not have.

Fabrication of cages with Welded Wire Mesh for Rabbits

The requirement for the fabrication of one cage with 10 cabins :

4' x 50' 16swg Welded Mesh 34 ft

3' x 50' 16swg Welded Mesh 30 ft

Use 4' x 50' ft Welded Mesh

Step I
First cut – base - 10' x 4' --------------- 1 Piece (a)

Step II
Second cut – sides (lengthwise) 10' x 4' -------------- 2 pieces (b)

Step III
Third Cut – sides (breadth wise) 4' x 2' -------------- 2 pieces (c)

Use 3' x 50' Welded Mesh
Step IV
Fourth Cut - 3' x 10 ' and then cut it Exactly at the centre – get 1 ½.' x 10' 1 ½.x 10' ------------------ 1 piece (d)
Make 1½' x 2' 1 pieces 1 ½.x 2' ----------------- 1piece (e)

Step VI
Fifth cut - 3 ' x 2' - 9 pieces
And cut exactly at the centre to
get 1½ x 2 1 ½' x 2' ------------------------- 18 pieces (f)

( 8 for partition and 6 for doors at the top)
Step VII
Sixth cut 4½ 'x 2' - and make ¾' x 2' –
6 pieces for top partition – for
Doors ¾' x 2' ------------------------- 6 pieces (g)

Total Pieces 31 Nos
Procedure for Assembly :
A. First place the first (a) as bottom piece 1
B. Attach the second cut (b) to the sides length wise as sides lengthwise 2
C. Attach the third cut (c) to the sides breadthwise as sides widthwise 2
D. Attach the fourthcut (d) exactly at the centre of the base splitting the into exactly two parts measuring 10' x1 ½' as partition(centre) 1
E. Attach the fifth cut – (e) a single piece - 1 ½' x 2 ' to the base so as to get a cabin size 2' x 2' x 1½' – with the same measurement 8 pieces are attached to the bottom partition 8 or base so as to get 10 cabins of 2' x 2' x 1½' size
F. Fold all the sides towards the top length – lengthwise inside and breadth – breadthwise inside
Now you get a skeleton of the cage with top side open G. Attach 2' x ¾' (g) to all the partition top side – six top side ( including the edges) top door base 6
H. Attach 2' x 1 ½. (e) to the top centre top partition 1 Now you get a cage with top – door side open
F. Attach 1 ½' x 2' (f) to the top centre only and keep it as door- that means to inform that only one edge facing the centre has to be Attached keeping all sides (three sides) open – for use as a door doors 10
Total Pieces 31 Nos

NOTE

If your combination of 4' x 50' (14 swg specially for the base) and 3' x 50' – 16swg welded mesh
You can economise the expenditure instead of procuring 4 ' x 50 ' alone.
All measurements are length x breadthwise

After cutting the welded mesh please fold it inside ( do not try to Trim it , because it may injure the user or animal) so as to get soft edges. Use 21 or 22 swg GI wire for attaching the mesh, because it is flexible Strictly follow the measurements and of course call for all your doubts ( if any)

The Rabbitry Farm – Poultry Method

The rabbit farm can be reared in the form of poultry and is reared without adding green feed in the feed structure. The method of feeding is that the grass powder is fed in the evening instead of Green grass. Use the following Feed Formulae for large scale rabbitry or call for a details : Feed formulae for large scale rabbitry

RABBIT FEED MASH

No	Ingredients	Kgs	Rate	Value	%	Kgs	Kgs	Rate	Value
	1	Premix	0.100	650	65		0.100	650	65
	2	Lys+ Meth +  C	0.100	200	20		0.100	200	20
	3	Enzymes	0.100	150	15		0.100	150	15
	4	Trace . Min	0.100	140	14		0.100	140	14
	5	Phytase	0.100	170	17		0.100	170	17
	6	Liver tonic powder	0.050	200	10		0.050	200	10
	7	Fast track	0.100	300	30		0.100	300	30
	8	Spirulina	0.100	425	45		0.100	425	45
	9	Chicory	0.100	45	5		0.100	45	5
	10	Toxin Binder	0.100	20	2		0.100	20	2
	11	Salt	1	4	4		1	4	4
	12	Soya Doc	25	25	625	42	25	25	625	42	11
	13	MBM	10	17	170	50	10	17	170	50	5
	14	TOTAL	45.5	33.00	1022		45.5	33.00	1022		16
	15
	16		91		2044		91		2044

PRODUCTION

Maize	300	9	2700	9	27	300	9	2700	9	27
Sunflower/soya DOC	100	18	1800	26	26	100	25	2500	42	42
Hedge Lucerne powder	300	3	900	19	54	300	3	900	19	54
Azolla	200	0.20	40	24	48	200	0.20	40	24	48
Other Grass powder	95	3	300		12	95	3	300		12
Palm OIl	5	40	200			5	40	200
Feed Cost	991	7.10	6984	21.1	183	991	8.80	8684	19.9	199