Angora Rabbit

Angora Rabbit Farming?

Angora rabbits are mainly raised for their wool which is known for its quality. Angora rabbits are of many types. The difference is mainly in wool produced and the percentage of guard hair in the wool. Among the various types, German Angora is the best and annually yields 1000 to 1200 gm of wool under ideal management practices. Rabbits can be adopted to any set of circumstances right from a kitchen garden to a large intensive commercial enterprise. The wool produced by rabbits are preferred for manufacturing of high value woolens which have got very good export potential.
 

Advantages

1. Rabbits are highly prolific in nature

2. Consumes a large amount of forages from diverse origins and so can be reared on small amounts of costly concentrates.

3. They can be reared in the kitchen garden/backyard of farmer's house

4. Initial investment cost is low

5. Quick returns i.e. six months after the establishment of farm

6. Income generation at quarterly interval makes the repayment easy.

7. Apart from providing wool, rabbits also provide income from manure etc.

8. Residual feed, together with rabbit manure is highly suitable for vermin compost which in turn provides excellent manure for fertilizing the fields.

Scope for rabbit farming and its national importance
Rabbit farming is another livestock activity with great scope as it is relatively easy, rewarding and takes little space as compared to other livestock. Rabbit farming can also provide a very valuable additional source of income in the rural areas. Another important consideration is food production cycle, which shows that rabbit need not be in competition with man for its food. For producing high quality woolens, blending with other fine quality fibers is essential. The other livestock species which is source of wool is sheep. The wool from Angora Rabbits is of very high quality and its blending with carpet wool of sheep and silk improves the quality of wool is to a great extent.
 

Any type of building or hutch can shelter rabbit hatches, provided it protects your rabbits from predators, heat, cold and rains. It should provide plenty of light and ventilation. It should protect from direct draft of strong wind sunlight for longer periods. It should be comfortable for rabbits as well as caretaker. Hutches and equipment should be made from locally available material, bamboos', timber or chicken wire or welded wire of different sizes can be used. Many types of hutches can be made according to the number of rabbits to be kept and size of the building. Available hutches from one to three tires can be made. Size of hutch for giant breed should be of 3' length, 2' breadth and 2' height. For medium and smaller breeds. 2.5' length 2' breadth and 1.5 Height. Hutches should be 2.5' to 3' waist high from ground. For extra giant breeds length can be extended up to 4' All measurement are from inside.
 

Location and Housing

• Areas having temperature range between 10°C-20°C and relative humidity throughout the year is ideal for rearing Angora Rabbits.

• Ensure adequate facility for clean water, electricity, approach road, supply of breeding stock, feed, fodders, veterinary aid and nearness to market for sale of wool and meat of culled animals.

• For small size rabbit farms, hutch system may be adopted which is' a self contained cage-cum-nest box with its own roof.

• For larger farms, cages may be arranged inside the sheds in single or two tier under hanging or step wise rack system.

• Provide adequate floor space per rabbit. The space (hutch sizes) requirement for different categories of rabbits are given below.
   

Housing Specifications (hutch sizes) for Angora Rabbits

• Rabbitry roofing should be preferably of asbestos, wood, thatch or other locally available cheaper materials.

• Construct sheds in such a way that predators and birds do not enter the shed. In case of open hutches, proper fencing should be provided to protect the rabbits from their predators.

• Construct rat proof civil structures for feed and wool storage.

• Keep the shed/pens clean by regular cleaning and disinfection to make it free from flies/ mosquitoes and a foot dip should be maintained at the entrance of the sheds.

• Rabbit cages should be cleaned regularly, especially disinfected before kindling.

• During kindling period cage/hutch nest box should be kept clean so that kits do not pick up diseases like coccidian.

• Feeders should be cleaned regularly and mash feed should be removed from the feeders which can be used for feeding other livestock species.

[ Back ]