An Article from The Organic Farmers Magazine - Issue 69, Feb 2011,
written by James Wathuge:-
Most farmers who have contacted me as a rabbit breeder have the impression that rabbit farming will make them rich very fast. This is an unrealistic thought. Of course, rabbits multiply
fast, but they also die very fast. Rabbits keeping need a keen eye, since they can contract diseases or get injured or even die before you refill the next pail of water. Many farmers also ignore my advice to begin their rabbit venture with a few rabbits; this would enable them to learn and understand their
behaviour and needs.
Core values
Dairy farming and cattle breeding are two very distinct areas of specialisation. The art of breeding is deeper than just feeding animals; it is a combination of passion and great interest to have better and improved animals for the future. Likewise, rabbit breeding is as
well different from rabbit farming or rearing. My main interest as a rabbit breeder is to develop a fast growing rabbit with three qualities:
• The rabbits should gain weight fast (food to meat conversion).
• They should produce as little waste as possible (meat to waste ratio, normally
50% waste and 50% meat, in most rabbits except the dutch-brown grey)
• They should have large surface areas (for the skin market).
To realise these targets, one needs to know quite a lot about the behaviour
of the various types of rabbits. My initiative has brought me success in the right way to feed rabbits bringing fast growth only after 3 years. Currently I am at the 9th generation of rabbits from my farm and still going. I specialise in cross-breeds. No doubt, there is need for better breeds. Farmers in Kenya have
embraced rabbit farming with a great zeal, and the Government has followed suit, this should be sustained. But no one is asking the big question: “If we invest so much money, where shall we get the quality and improved breeds to
sustain the industry?” I have invested in feeds, drugs, housing and management to realize my goals, apparently I have also made some serious mistakes that almost cleared all my rabbits, but I did not give up. Market for rabbit products It is common knowledge that the best dairy farmer is the one who drinks milk. Likewise, the best rabbit farmer is one who supplies meat to his family. Kenya is a potential market for rabbit products as well. The Government should stop telling farmers that they will secure overseas markets for their
rabbit meat. It would make more sense to launch an awareness campaign in two directions:
• First: An information campaign for proper feeding, housing and management of rabbits.
• Second: A rabbit meat promotion for the local market.
Rabbit meat is known for its low cholesterol;
the government should even encourage its institutions to buy rabbits from farmers within their neighbourhood.
Value addition
Recently a rabbit farmers day in Thika town claimed farmers that the government had secured a 4- tonne rabbit pelt export market order from China; a nice order for sure, but does it help Kenya?
Training institutions such as the Animal Health and Industrial Training Institute (AHITI) should start training people on how to process rabbit leather into finished products so that we can export shoes and jackets to Europe and
the US. This will create jobs for our youth. After all, what will the Chinese do with the rabbit skins?
* James Wathuge is a rabbit breeder, based
in Kangemi, Nairobi. He has been breeding
rabbits for the last 3 years. His contact is
0733 893 300,
jwathuge@yahoo.com