Rabbit Production

Abstract: This 300-page book consisting of 26 chapters is a fully updated edition (9th) of highly informative material on the production of farmed rabbits. The book concerns rabbits raised and bred for meat and fur, and management of pet and show rabbits. Beginning with an introduction on the field of rabbit production around the world and on some breeds and equipment, further topics then covered include rabbit diseases, breeding, reproduction, welfare, genetics, behaviour, rabbit production in developing countries, fur and meat production, slaughter and the marketing of rabbit products

Rabbits are versatile animals, farmed for their meat and fur, as laboratory animals, and also as pets. This well-established book continues to provide an overview of domesticated rabbit production, covering topics such as breeding, husbandry, feeding and health. Now in its fully updated tenth edition, it includes an expanded consideration of important issues such as animal welfare and sustainable methods of production. With chapters relating specifically to meat production, pet rabbits, rabbit shows, and angora wool production. Providing updates on worldwide production trends, figures and new feed additive products, this book is an essential resource for anyone involved in rabbit production - from novice to experienced breeders, veterinarians and industry professionals.

The book has been authored in accordance with the syllabi prescribed by Veterinary Council of India (VCI), New Delhi for under graduate students of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry all over India. The book includes comprehensive and up-to-date information on the topics highlighted and also deals with animal ethics and welfare of Laboratory Rabbits and Pet Animals in precise manner and in simple language, which becomes easy for students to understand. The text will be suitable and useful for students including those appearing for comprehensive examinations, teachers and scientists.

An accessible, practical resource for pasture-based rabbit production-complete with rabbit husbandry basics, enterprise budgets, and guidelines for growing, processing and selling rabbits commercially. In recent years, there has been talk in the food world that rabbits make more sense than chicken. In a country with a $41 billion broiler chicken industry, this might seem like a pretty bold statement, but it’s hardly unsubstantiated. And yet while media has been abuzz about the supposed super protein, very few farmers are stepping up to meet the rapidly increasing interest in sustainably raised rabbit meat. This is partly due to the lack of available resources in the field of rabbit husbandry. Raising Pastured Rabbits for Meat is the first book to address the growing trend of ecological rabbit husbandry for the beginning to market-scale farmer. Inspired by Daniel Salatin, who has long been considered the pioneer in integrated rabbit farming, Nichki Carangelo proves that a viable pasture-based rabbitry is not only possible and user-friendly, it’s also profitable. In Carangelo’s approach, happy, healthy rabbits are seasonally raised outside on pasture, using a pasture and wire hybrid system that promotes natural behaviors and a diverse diet, while effectively managing the associated risks. Raising Pastured Rabbits for Meat offers valuable information on how farmers can build their own rabbit enterprise from scratch and includes tips on breed selection, breeding techniques, nutrition guidelines, record keeping tools, slaughtering and butchering instructions, marketing advice, and enterprise guides to help farmers plan for profitability. This is an essential guide for anyone interested in integrating rabbits onto a diversified farm or homestead.

Any farmer in this world can confirm that general farming or livestock production is a risky business. It requires personal attention and patience. Technically, you could say that it isn’t easy. However, having an invested passion in, some part-time, hard work, determination, and most important learn or research the required know-how you will soon garner lucrative income as commercial rabbit breeder either locally, globally or both. Rabbit production has proved to be a lucrative business time and again to both small scale and large scale farmers. This is a guide to make you succeed in this business.

Rabbit production systems are important providers of meat in many parts of the world due to the species' many advantages: rapid growth rate, good reproductive performance, adaptability and ability to thrive on high fibre raw materials. They also provide angora wool, and are popular as companion animals. Bringing together international expertise in rabbit production, topics covered in this authoritative volume include digestive physiology, feed formulation and product quality as well as new contributions on innovative feeding strategies, new methods for feed processing, feed management around weaning and the relationship between nutrition and intestinal health. This book is an essential resource for researchers, practitioners and students of animal nutrition and production