Rabbit Farming

Livestock and poultry in Indian tropical and subtropics play a critical role in agricultural economy by providing milk, wool, meat, eggs and draft power and provide flexible reserves during period of economic stress and buffer against crop failure. Rabbits are raised up off the ground and are one of the cleanest animals produced as meat and hence do not even need to be wormed. Rabbits are among the most productive of domestic livestock, making them efficient sources of food for an ever increasing population with diminishing resources. Up to 98.7% of the rabbits can be used for meat, fur, in laboratories, as fertilizers, in toys and novelties. The large demand for animal wool seems to be assured. Sheep rearing is the major source of livelihood to small and marginal farmers and landless laborers in hilly areas, arid and semi-arid region of India. Goat is a multi functional animal and plays a significant role in the economy and nutrition of landless, small and marginal farmers in the country. It creates employment to the rural poor besides effectively utilizing unpaid family labor. There is ample scope for establishing cottage industries based on goat meat and milk products and value addition to skin and fiber. Fish is a good source of animal proteins; Man has realized its importance from the very inception of the evolution of the human race. It has been the sole diet for many island nations before the evolution of farming techniques. Poultry is one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural sector in India today. The production of agricultural crops has been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 % per annum that of eggs and broilers has been rising at a rate of 8 to 10 % per annum. From a backyard hobby it has culminated into an industry. Among the various livestock species, piggery is most potential source of meat production and more efficient feed converters after the broiler. Apart from providing meat, it is also a source of bristles and manure. Pig farming will provide employment opportunities to seasonally employed rural farmers and supplementary income to improve their living standards. The contribution of pork products in terms of value works out to 0.80% of total livestock products and 4.32% of the meat and meat products. This book basically deals with rabbit keeping, feeding systems, feed requirements and balanced rations, angora wool utilization in cottage industries, useful information for goat breeding measures of increasing potential of range land nutrients requirements of goats, conversion efficiency of indigenous breeds of goats, sources and functions of the nutrients in sheep, breeds of poultry, inheritance of plumage in turkeys, commercial poultry farming, nutrition of broiler type chickens, how to economise on poultry feed cost, principles of fish culture, culturable fish and shellfish, nutritional requirement and artificial shrimp feed preparation, types of antibiotics for pigs etc. This book provides detailed information on the livestock and poultry farming and rearing technique with described process of feeding systems, feed requirements and balanced rations, harvesting commercial products from them. This book is an invaluable resource for the entrepreneurs, institutions and professionals.

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.

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

This volume on Integrated Farming Systems explains the diverse components that can be included in the agriculture sector. It is a practical guide to increasing a farm's productivity, profitability, and sustainability. The use of integrated farming systems has become essential with the growing population and the decreased availability of land resulting in the need to optimize the existing resources. By combining different farm enterprises like dairy, poultry, and fishery, farmers can achieve vertical expansion and increase their income and employment opportunities. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of integrated farming systems, from the different components that can be included to the benefits of recycling crop residues and the by-products within the farm. With practical advice for small and marginal farmers, this book offers a roadmap for improving productivity and ensuring balanced nutrition for farm families. The book is suitable for a vast audience, from a farmer looking to increase profits and sustainability, a student of agriculture at the graduate or post-graduate level, or a researcher in the field of farming systems. It is an essential resource for reaping the benefits of integrated farming systems.