RABBITARY

In Nigeria, low animal protein intake has remained a major nutritional problem, especially for the low income and non-wage earners (Amaefule and Obioha, 2005; Akinola, 2009). There is therefore an urgent need to develop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) production as a cheap source of animal protein to bridge the wide gap existing between animal protein supply and consumption. Rabbit farming is a new area in animal farming and is adapted to both rural and urban centres, tropical and temperate regions of the world alike. Its meat is purely white, bristle and palatable, highly nutritious and a convenient source of high quality protein (Okorie, 1997). Rabbit meat has been found to be nutritious, low in fat and fine-grained and it provides a suitable alternative to poultry meat.

Casady, (1978) reported that rabbit meat has high biological value with high protein (21%), low fat (10%), low cholesterol and sodium while Damron, (2006) showed that a cooked piece of rabbit meat is high in protein (56%), low in fat (9%), low in cholesterol, sodium and calories (8%) and contain 28% phosphorus, 13% iron, 16% zinc, 14% riboflavin, 6% thiamin, 35% B12 and 48% niacin.

The domestic rabbit is as efficient as other farm animals in converting feed to meat for human consumption. It has since been identified as an economic livestock for small-scale rural farmers/dwellers, capable of producing about 47kg of meat, enough to solely meet the animal protein requirements of a medium size family (Abdulmalik, 1994; Hassan and Owolabi, 1996). Rabbits can be kept in the backyard in small unit of 2-4 does (females) and a buck (male) to supply the family with additional source of animal protein (Komolafe, 1990).

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References

Casady, R. B. (1978). Advisory leaflet on rabbit meat production. Value and use of rabbit. Manual Paper Presented at the Conference on Rabbit Meat Production. Malta. 10 - 13th March, pp. 179.

Damron, W. S. (2006). Introduction to Animal Science, Global, Biological, Social and Industry Perspective (3rd Ed.). U.S.A: Pearson Educational Inc

Konolafe, O. R. (1990). Effects of typical leaf types on haematological parameter of growing New Zealand Rabbits. Journal of Living Production in Nigeria, 149(3), 89-96

Amaefule, K. U. and Obioha, F. U. (2005). Performance of pullet chicks fed raw or processed pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed meal diets. Live Reserved for rural Development.

Okorie, A.U. (1997). Requirement in protein and Amino Acid by rabbits. New York: A. A.