History and Present Status of Rabbit Farming in India

History of Rabbits

Rabbits belong to the order of mammals called Lagomorpha, which includes 40 or so species of rabbits, hares and Pikas. Fossil records suggest that Lagomorpha evolved in Asia at least 40 million years ago, during the Eocene period. The break-up of continents during this period may be responsible for the wide distribution of differing species of rabbits and hares around the world, with the exception of Australia. There are currently more than 60 recognised breeds of domestic rabbit in Europe and America, all of them descended from the European rabbit (Oryctolaguscuniculus), the only species of rabbit to have been widely domesticated. It is a seperate species from other native rabbits such as the North American jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits and all species of hares.

The European wild rabbit evolved around 4,000 years ago on the Iberian Peninsula, the name ‘Hispania’ (Spain) is translated from the name given to that area by  Phoenician merchants, meaning ‘land of the rabbits’. When the Romans arrived in Spain around 200BC, they began to farm the native rabbits for their meat and fur. The Romans called this practice ‘cuniculture’ and kept the rabbits in fenced enclosures. Inevitably, the rabbits tried to escape and it is perhaps no surprise that the latin name ‘Oryctolaguscuniculus’ means ‘hare-like digger of underground tunnels’. The spread of the Roman empire, along with increasing trade between countries, helped to introduce the European rabbit into many more parts of Europe and Asia. With their rapid reproduction rate, and the increasing cultivation of land providing ideal habitat, rabbits soon established large populations in the wild. The European rabbit continued to be introduced to new countries as they were explored, or colonised by European adventurers and pioneers. Wild rabbits thrived in many new locations, and populations grew rapidly in countries with suitable habitat and few natural predators. The European rabbit became widespread in North America and Australia, for example, where the wild rabbit has become a troublesome pest to farmers and conservationists.

Wild rabbits are said to have been first domesticated in the 5th Century by the monks of the Champagne Region in France. Monks were almost certainly the first to keep rabbits in cages as a readily available food source, and the first to experiment with selective breeding for traits such as weight or fur colour. Rabbits were introduced to Britain during the 12th Century, and during the Middle Ages, the breeding and farming of rabbits for meat and fur became widespread throughout Europe. Sources suggest that some women among the Medieval gentry even kept rabbits as pets. The selective breeding of European rabbits meant that distinct breeds arose in different regions, and the origins of many old breeds can be traced back several centuries. For example; paintings from the 15th century show rabbits in a variety of colours, some even with white ‘Dutch’ markings; 16th century writings suggest that the Flemish Giant was already being pure-bred under the name Ghent Giant, in the Flemish speaking Ghent area of Belgium; 17th century sources tell of the arrival of ‘silver’ rabbits in England and France, brought from India and China by seafarers and influential in the Silver and Champagne de Argente breeds; 18th century sources suggest a breed known as Lapin de Nicard once existed in France and weighed as little as 1.5kg (3½ lbs), some consider this to be the forerunner of all dwarf breeds; the English Lop can also be traced back to 18th century records, and is considered the ancestor of all the lop breeds. By the middle of the 19th century, the widespread practice of selectively breeding domestic rabbits had resulted in a large variety of breeds, ranging from the tiny Polish rabbit to the huge Flemish Giant.

Up until the 19th century, domestic rabbits had been bred purely for their meat and fur, but during the Victorian era, many new ‘fancy’ breeds were developed for the hobby of breeding rabbits for showing. Industrialisation also meant that many people moving from the country to the expanding towns and cities, brought rabbits with them; apart from poultry, they were the only ‘farm’ animal to be practical to keep in town. Although many of these rabbits were bred for meat, it became increasingly common among the rising middle classes to keep rabbits as pets. Rabbits were connected with the countryside and the animals they had left behind, and became considered almost sentimentally. Rabbit wares were promoted in connection with children, and the romantic attitude towards rabbits persists today in the association of ‘bunnies’ with newborn babies, and the idea of rabbits as a children’s pet. By the 20th century, rabbit breeding had become a popular hobby across Europe, with many rabbit fanciers developing new varieties and colours. Some breeds, such as the Himalayan and Rex, came about as the result of naturally-occuring genetic mutations which were then fixed or enhanced through a selective breeding programme. Others were developed through cross-breeding, particularly with rabbits imported from other countries as a result of increasing travel in Europe. Many breed societies and clubs were established, with some breeds undergoing dramatic swings in popularity, often due to changing fashions for fur and commercial uses. Although the European rabbit arrived in America with european settlers, and established a large wild population, rabbits were mostly hunted in the wild until the late 19th century. Domestic rabbitry did not become popular in the United States until around the turn of the century, when many European breeds began to be imported, and breeders also developed some American breeds.

During the two World Wars, governments in both Britain and the United States encouraged people to keep rabbits as a source of homegrown meat and fur, both for themselves and to help feed and clothe soldiers. After the wars, many people continued to keep rabbits in their gardens, and they become commonplace as household pets. Rabbits have become the third most popular pet after cats and dogs in the UK, unlike cats and dogs however they are traditionally seen as ‘childrens pets’, and often sadly misunderstood. During the last 30 years or so, attitudes towards rabbits as pets have been undergoing a gradual shift. The promotion of rabbit welfare is fostering a greater understanding of rabbits; from their basic needs to their intelligence, personality and behaviour. Rabbits are increasingly seen in the same way as cats and dogs, as a rewarding companion or family pet, and provided with the same level of care and attention, from routine vaccinations and healthcare, to greater freedom and interaction with their owners. (Anonymous, 2010)

Introduction

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) recipe to fight world hunger has rabbit as its key component. In developing countries such as India, where enormous meat shortages exist, the potential for rabbit production is greatest. Organized promotion of rabbit production in India took place during the late seventies by the import of rabbits from the UK and the former USSR, by the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. However, rabbit farming is still in its infancy in the country, in spite of its advantages such as, low investment and labour costs, easy handling, high growth and fecundity rate and its highly profitableproducts. Drawbacks such as poor marketing facilities, lack of adequate quality-parentstock and training facilities, superstitions and high production costs are possiblythe major hurdles. Higher production costs, in particular, has been found to be a major limiting factor in developing countries (FAO 1987; Dalle2002 ). The relativelyslow growth of this promising enterprise, therefore, would lead us to believe that the farmers have an unfavourable attitude towards this enterprise. In such a case, theFAO’s prediction of satisfying the world nourishing needs with rabbits, may not be applicable for India. Nevertheless, before arriving at such a conclusion, it would beappropriate to assess the attitude of farmers, since unfavourable attitude of farmers has been the major cause for non-adoption of several livestock technologies (Kaura1967). Attitude has been described as an evaluative disposition towards some object or subject which has consequences for how a person will act toward the attitudeobject (Van den Ban and Hawkins 1986). A comprehensive study on the attitude-behavior of farmers would assist the public and private extension systems involved inrabbit farming projects (Lukefahr and Cheeke 1990) in formulating appropriate strategies. (Puthira&Ponnusamy, 2006)

Breed of Rabbit

1. MINI REX:-Mini Rex is one of the known personalities of rabbit breed. The size of the rabbit is about 3.5 to 4.5 lbs. The personality is nourished with calm and quite sensitive. It makes it one of the loveliest rabbits in India. Also, it doesn’t need a lot of grooming and easily suspectable for ease of care. Some of the health problems may be dangerous for the rabbit. The final life span of mini rex is about 5 to 7 years.
2. HOLLAND LOP:-Holland Lop is found in some of the coastal regions of India. It is about 2 to 4 lbs in size. This is a small figure that can be expected from any rabbit in the world. But the personality of this rabbit is enhanced with energy and friendship. If we talk about ease of care, then he needs no space to roam. And also, it sheds a lot in summers. The standard rabbit issues can be a sort of dangerous with a life span of 7 to 14 years.
3. DUTCH LOP:-Dutch Lop is known by its name, and the size ranges between 4 to 5.5 Lbs. Nature is quite predictable with a personality of gentleness. It is a highly sociable rabbit who finds easy friendship. The main need for the rabbit comes for daily exercise and proper care. The total life span is 5-8 years, but the most important thing to be subjected is standard rabbit issues. So, it is one of the most common breeds found in India. It can be a better option for your pet.
4. DWARF HOTOT:-Dwarf Hotot is the best and active rabbits in India. It has some of the major qualities of the good animal, including friendliness. The personality of the rabbit is such that he bonds well with the owner. If you are having a pet called Dwarf Hotot, then you must focus on close monitoring of the rabbit. Also, it has a high risk of malocclusion. So, proper treatment is needed for the same. The life span is about 7 to 10 years.
5. MINI LOP:-Mini Lop is about 4.5 to 6 lbs in size. It is recommended an average size of a rabbit. Mini Lop is a soft rabbit whose personality includes cuddling. Yes, he loves getting cuddled. This rabbit is considered as active and has the capability to chew food very fast in comparison to other breeds. It can be found in some of the bushy areas of the forest. The total life span ranges from 5 to 10 years with a limited health problem.
6. MINI SATIN:-The main difference between the Mini Lop and Mini Satin is that Mini Satin is a quiet and inactive rabbit. The size of the same is between 3 to 4.5 lbs. The calm and gentle personality is expected from Mini Satin. It is generally in the colour of Satin with some natural standard rabbit issues. The total life span is between 5 to 8 years. One can choose this rabbit for a calm and gentle personality. Especially, children love this type of rabbit.
7. NETHERLAND LOP:-Netherland Dwarf is a special kind of rabbit found in India whose size ranges only between 1.1 to 2.5 lbs. It is the smallest rabbit that can be found anywhere. The personality is generally of shy nature, and it too gets friendly once they get to know. One should also remember that this rabbit should be kept indoors only as it is sensitive and regular exercise is needed. The life span is about 10-12 years, which is considered as high for the rabbit.
8. POLISH:-Polish is a type of rabbit which is affectionate and loving cuddling. It is considered as one of the cutest rabbits in India. The size of the same ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 lbs. It is always best to keep the Polish breed rabbit always indoor. The life span of the rabbit is not too big and ranges for 5 years only. This rabbit can go through some standard rabbit issues. So, special care and treatment may be required by the pet owner.
9. LIONHEAD:-The personality of the lion head is very energetic. It also loves to play with other people and remains affectionate. The size of this rabbit is about 2.5 to 3.5 lbs. It also needs some special type of grooming. Lionhead may also get a high risk of the wool block, which is very dangerous. Even, the life span is extended until 7 to 10 years. Such types of breed are very rare to find and also it can be considered as the best pet.
10. JERSEY WOOLY:-Jersey Wooly is cute just because of the small size. The size of this rabbit is about 2 lbs. The personality says about gentle and docile features. Being gentle, it remains very inactive ins the society and needs frequent grooming by the owner. The general colour of this rabbit white and brown. It can also lead to a high risk of the wool block, and so treatment may be conducted by the owner. It can live up to 10 years according to the life span.
11. CALIFORNIAN:-Californian rabbit is big in size, with an average size of 8 to 10 lbs. But the personality is limited to shy nature and cuddling. The Californian rabbit sheds heavily in the spring and also needs regular exercises. If you are treating the rabbit with care, then for sure it will be socialized and become active. Some of the standard rabbit issues may trouble rabbit. For this, proper treatment is conducted. Along with this, this rabbit can live up to 10 years.
12. HARLEQUIN:-Harlequin is a type of human kid who loves to play with toys and remain curious about things. This is the best rabbit with whom one can play in the garden. The size of the same is about 6.5 to 9.5 lbs. It is found in the tropical areas of India and generally comes out in the rainy season. The complete life span of Harlequin is about 5 to 10 years. General exercise is needed for keeping the rabbit active and fit.
13. HAVANA:-Havana rabbit forms a strong bond with the owner. The personality traits also include calm and docile nature. The standard size of this rabbit is about 5 to 7 lbs. The worst thing about this rabbit is that the risk for overgrown teeth and ear mites are possible. And treatment for this may lead to high risk again. Also, the owner needs to set the rabbit free to stretch and play. The life span is about 5 to 8 years.
14. STANDARD CHINCHILLA:-Standard Chinchilla is a standard rabbit with an average size of 6 lbs. The various personalities include maturity, calm, docile nature. It is not an active rabbit breed, and so proper grooming is required. The residence area of the rabbit is a forest with bushy areas. It can live up to 8 years without the need for any kind of treatment. It is always advisable to keep this rabbit away from spices. One can use it as a pet, but daily grooming is required by the owner.
15. HIMALAYAN:- The Himalayan breed has a size between 2.5 to 5 lbs. It is also calm and patient with the best acting skills. Some of the active kids can even play with it. Apart from this, the Himalayan rabbit is very sensitive to cold and breeze. It is advisable to keep it away from cold. The total life span is not more than 6 years but some standard rabbit issues to occur in between.(Hayati, 2019)

Housing Management of Rabbit

Location of Rabbit House

• Several factors may be considered before selecting a site for construction of rabbit house. A shaded and elevated area is preferred for easy drainage of unused water from rabbit farm. The shaded area is preferred to reduce the heat stress on the rabbit as it is very sensitive to high temperature
• The area must be connected with the town by road so that there would not be any problem to bring feed or sell products, but away from the town as the location should be free from excessive moisture, smoke, fume, dust, and other pollutants
• There should be easy access to electricity and water
• The area should be protected from predators ie dog, fox, cat etc. which are enemy of the rabbit.

Types of Housing Systems

Indoor Cage System

• Cages are kept on a wooden or concrete rack in a row in closed RCC house having asbestos or GI sheet roof. Cage size varies depending upon breed and age of rabbit. Wood is not a desirable material for cage making. Because rabbit chews and consumes it. Moreover, it absorbs urine, water. So it is difficult to clean
• The material normally used for making cage is galvanized wire mesh having thickness 12-14 gauze. The thickness of wire to be used for sides and top of the cage should be 16-18 gauze
• Grid opening must be large enough to allow faeces to pass through. At the same time it should not be so large; otherwise, there is a chance of entangling the feet causing injury
• The requirement of wire mesh for making floor for small size rabbit should be 0.5 x 0.5 inch. For large size rabbit, it may be 0.75 x 0.75 inch. But for side and top of the cage wire mesh should be 1.0 x 1.0 inch
• Cage may be constructed square or rectangular. They may be made single or in a multiple of two or three.

Indoor Low-cost Housing

• This house is of kachcha floor, thatch roof, bamboo wall. The roof may be made of coconut leaves, but to avoid entry of rainwater tarpaulin/ plastic sheet may be applied on the top. As the low cost and locally available materials are used, hence cost of housing is low. Racks are made of wood or bamboo and cages are of bamboo or galvanized wire mesh
• The other advantage is that all the materials used are of the bad conductor of heat. So this house is comfortable both during summer and winter. But durability is less; hence at an alternate year roofing material is to be replaced
• In a study of Das and Sikka (2007), it was revealed that while rabbits maintained in indoor low-cost housing and were fed 50 % green roughage and 50 % concentrate pellet feed performed best.

Indoor Floor System

• In this system like fowl an area of 300 ft2 (20 x 15 ft) is shaded with asbestos where the wall is made of brick up to the height of 3.00 ft and above it wire net fencing is given up to the height of 6.00 ft.
• Animals are kept over clean dry litter made of sawdust. Feed and water are provided by feeder and waterer as usual
• The main disadvantage of this system is that there is less control over feeding, breeding, and management. So, more chance of occurring diseases.

Outdoor Hutch System

• It may be made of iron or wood with G I welded mesh floor and asbestos or GI sheet roof. There may be four or five compartments. If the frame is made of iron, durability, and cost of hutch increases in contrast to a wooden frame
• The dimension of the hutch is generally 1.50 x 0.75 x 0.50 m and longitudinally it is partitioned into five compartments having a dimension of 0.75 x 0.30 x 0.50 m. So 3 weaners or 2 growers or 1 finisher or 1 adult may be kept
• Hutches are kept in outdoor under tree shade. To reduce heat stress during dry summer paddy straw or thatch may be given over the roof to keep roof cold.

Outdoor Semi-open Hutch System

• Here an area of 300 sq. ft. (20 x 15 ft.) is covered by wire net in three sides and in rest side, two or three hutches may be kept for night shelter of the rabbit
• The open area is kept for roaming and grazing to meet the need of at least 50 % dry matter requirement. The feeder and waterer are kept inside the hutch
• Rabbits from post-weaning period to the age of marketing may be maintained. Breeding is not possible selectively and moreover, there is a chance of abortion in the pregnant doe
• If any rabbit is found sick it should be immediately separated to prevent transmission of disease.

Battery System of Housing

• In this system, rabbits may be reared in two or three tiers like poultry. In each tier, there may be three to four compartments. The main objective of this system is to manage rabbits in very limited space in town or city on the roof of the house
• The structure may be made of galvanized iron, wood or bamboo with GI sheet roof and wooden floor. The sidewall may be of wood. Here no grids are made in the upper floor to avoid dropping of faeces from upper stair to lower stair

Group Size

• Rabbit may be maintained individually or in a group of two or three. In individual rearing due to better feeding and management performance of rabbit is best but it is most expensive. In group rearing, productive performance is reduced. Moreover due to the eating of fur from each other in this system quality of fur becomes poor. Sometimes fighting occurs which renders rabbit injured, causing morbidity and mortality. So maximum two rabbits may be kept up to the age of marketing to reduce housing cost and to obtain optimum productivity.

Floor Space Requirement

• To get optimum to maximum production, keeping housing cost as low as possible knowledge on floor space allowance is very important. Low floor space or high housing density has different disadvantages,

1. a) more chance of diseases transmission particularly contagious diseases, b) reduces growth and wool yield. Different factors determine the floor space. The factors are as follows:-
2. Floor area:- If the total area of the floor is more, less floor space per animal may be given. But if the house is of small size, more space per animal is recommended.
3. Floor type:- If the floor is of wire netting excreta can be eliminated easily, so floor space per animal may be reduced. But on deep litter, when the chance of contamination is there, more floor space per animal should be provided.
4. House type:- If rabbits are maintained in open hutch system, less floor space may be given. But, rabbits maintained in indoor cage system require more space per animal.
5. Size of the rabbit:- With the advancement of age, body size is increased, so rabbit requires more space than in young age.
6. Climate:- In temperate to sub-temperate climate less floor space may be given. On the contrary, in hot dry region more floor space is required for optimum growth.
7. Ventilation:- If there is the provision of cross ventilation and adequate then less floor space per rabbit may be given.

Environment Requirment for Rabbit Production

Rabbits are basically animals of the temperate region. Hence, they prefer low temperature (10-25^o C) rather than high temperature. Out of different environmental factors, ambient temperature is the most important. Other environmental components are relative humidity, rainfall, wind velocity, light and solar radiation. Environments have a significant effect on all productive and reproductive traits, so the knowledge of those is very essential for economic rabbit production.

Ambient temperature

• Rabbit being homoeothermic animal maintains constant deep body temperature through thermoregulatory system located in the hypothalamus of the brain by virtue of heat gain and heat loss.
• They use three devices to modify heat loss: general body position or change of posture, respiration and peripheral temperature especially ear temperature.
• Rabbit curls up to minimize the body surface area to reduce radiation loss and lowers ear temperature if the ambient temperature is low (below 10^oC).
• On the contrary, if the temperature is high (above 25-30o C), the rabbit stretches out to increase the radiation and convection loss of heat from the body surface and to step up their body temperature.
• The ear functions like a car radiator. The efficiency of the cooling system depends upon airspeed around the animal.
• Sweat gland of rabbit is not functional so the cutaneous evaporative loss of heat is very less, only from the external ear and foot pad.
• Other ways of latent heat loss are by panting and by respiratory evaporation through the increase of respiration rate. Respiration rate may increase fourfold to 300 – 400 / m. If the ambient temperature is above 35 degree celciusrabbit can no longer regulate their internal body temperature and heat prostration sets in.
• Rabbit also regulate heat loss and heat gain by increasing or decreasing feed and water intake.
• Heat regulation in newborn rabbits is somewhat different. Neonatal rabbits increase heat production during cold stress by fat catabolism, shivering and huddling. Their heat regulating system develops within two weeks. They have no fur and cannot correctly adjust their feed intake as they take doe’s milk, which is not produced as per requirement. At birth young have good fat reserve ie brown adipose tissue, which helps to maintain body temperature within the thermo-neutral zone. Young rabbit cannot curl up but the only way to reduce heat loss by conduction and convection is to hurdle together with the other young. When the temperature is high, young rabbits again move apart to increase heat loss.
• In rabbit during heat stress vasodilatation through sympathetic inhibition begins at 20 o C, increased evaporation occurs at 25 o C and panting begins at 35 o C and continues until the rectal temperature is above 104 o F. The average lethal rectal temperature is 109 o F. Rabbit panted, defecated, salivated and licked their forequarters at higher temperature (40 – 41 o C).
• In commercial rabbit when environment temperature exceeds 33 o C mortality due to heat stress occurs. Feed intake was decreased and water intake in rabbit was increased as temperature and humidity increased. It was reported that ambient temperature (32.2 o C) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced daily feed intake and rectal temperature by 0.5 0 C significantly (P < 0.01). The average daily gain and average daily feed intake in low temperature (17 o C) and high temperature (32.2 o C) were 22.7 g, 11.4 g and 205 g, 133 g per day. It was reported that daily feed intake was significantly (P < 0.01) affected by ambient temperature. Feed intake decreased by 1.16 g per o C rise in temperature. Feed intake was highest at the temperature of 20 o C. Heat stress not only reduced rabbit doe productivity but also growth performance of fattening rabbits.
• It was observed that change of air temperature had significant (P < 0.05) negative effect on the average daily gain of all the breeds of rabbit. The average daily gain was reduced by 16.78 g in Gray Giant, 14.84 g in Black Brown, 12.50 g in Soviet Chinchilla and 6.51 g in New Zealand White rabbit per unit increase of air temperature respectively. So, it would be inferred that adverse effect of maximum temperature, minimum temperature and the air temperature was most pronounced on Gray Giant and Black Brown rabbit indicating maximum adaptability of New Zealand White and Soviet Chinchilla rabbit.

Relative humidity

• Rabbits are very sensitive to very low humidity (below 55%) but not to very high humidity. This is due to the fact that rabbits expend much of their lives in underground burrows with a humidity level (100%). The abrupt change in humidity is detrimental to health and production.
• French workers found 60 – 65% humidity level successful. High humidity along with high temperature is stressful due to low evaporation heat loss resulted into discomforts followed by prostration.
• In tropical climate during the rainy season, the high temperature along with high humidity can cause severe problems. High humidity along with very low temperature is equally stressful because water condenses on the poorly insulated wall. So cold becomes more penetrating, causing heat loss from the animal through convection and conduction. Digestive and respiratory disorders often follow. Low humidity at high temperature is also dangerous because it not only upset the secretion of mucus but also enhances the chance of respiratory disorder.

Ventilation

• The rabbit house must have a certain minimum of ventilation to evacuate the harmful gases given off by the rabbit i.e. carbon dioxide and its excreta i.e. ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, methane etc. and to renew the oxygen and get rid of the excess moisture and excess heat is given off by the rabbits
• Ventilation depends on climate, cage type and stocking density. Optimum air speed i.e. ventilation along with optimum temperature produces comfort. High air speed along with low temperature causes cold draught i.e. intestinal blockage. Low air speed along with high temperature causes respiratory distress. High air ammonia level i.e. 20- 30 ppm weakens the rabbit’s upper respiratory tract. To reduce this ammonia level ventilation must be increased in rabbit’s house. It was reported that when New Zealand White rabbits were kept in three houses A, B, C having ventilation rate 2.27, 5.49, 11.54 cubic meter/ hour/head ammonia level was 40.3 in A, 26.2 in B and 13.3 in C house, resulting in 34 %, 19 % and 1 % mortality in A, B and C houses
• Air circulation pattern (ventilation) is having a dominating influence on the air mixture, temperature and humidity gradients while both building orientation and amount of ventilating opening considerably affect the thermal comfort level of livestock micro-environment. During heat stress, an animal in order to remain within its body temperature range i.e. in order to maintain thermo-neutrality must reduce its internal heat production, enhance its heat dissipation mechanism or combine both. In the rabbit, several investigators found that respiration rate increased under heat stress conditions.

Lighting

• Few studies have been made on the influence of light on rabbits and these are exclusively concern with the duration of lighting and seldom with the intensity of light. Exposure to light for 8 hours out of 24 hours favours spermatogenesis and sexual activity in bucks. Conversely, exposure for 14 – 16 hours a day favour female sexual activity and fertilization. 24 hours light trial caused reproductive disturbances in the rabbit. It, therefore, seems best to limit the duration of light to 16 hours. Very young rabbit does not need extra light, but 15 – 16 hours per day is sufficient. 24 hours of light may cause digestive disturbances or may disturb caecotrophic behaviour. A much weaker light may be used for young rabbits. For breeding, year-round illumination of 15 – 17 hours / day @ 3 w / m2 and for fattening, less than 12 hours / day @ 3 w / m2 was recommended by different investigators. (Anonymous-A, 2019)

Selection of Breeding Stock

The selection of breeding buck and doe is very much important aspect of breeding since good progeny is expected from good buck and doe. One has to consider the breeding stock in terms of fertility, maternal instinct, milk yield, growth rate, fecundity and viability.

• Buck:-The male rabbit is known as buck. A buck develops its breeding capabilities at the age of 8 months. An ideal buck should continue to maintain its reproductive ability at least for 2 to 3 years. A young buck may be allowed to mate one doe at an interval of 3 to 4 days. But, from 12 months of age onwards it may mate 4-6 does in 7 days. A buck beyond 6 years of age should be culled since semen quality declines. In order to keep the buck healthy additional protein, vitamin and minerals are to be supplemented in diet. Two breeding bucks should not be kept in same place as they will fight each other and cause injury.
• Doe:-The female rabbit is known as doe. A doe should have the perfectibility to reproduce. A doe becomes capable to reproduce based on breed, nutritional status and seasons. The smaller breeds attain sexual maturity earlier than larger breeds. A small breed may accept mating at 3-4 months of age whereas the larger breed may accept mating at 8-9 months of age. A doe can be used for breeding up to the age of 3 years and culling should be made afterwards.

Reproduction

Ovulation

The rabbit belongs to a group of mammals which do not ovulate spontaneously. There is no oestrus cycle. Ovulation requires stimulus of mating and thus induced in nature. Sexual stimulation with copulation or in response to exogenous, gonadotropins, ovulation takes place. Sometime females may stimulate each other to the point of stimulation. This type of ovulation is expected in does becoming pseudo pregnant or sterile for few days. Ovulation is apt to occur within the range of 9-13 hours. But, generally it takes place at 10 hours following mating.It is thought that does may remain in constant heat throughout the year or in breeding season. But, it is known that follicles develop and regress in cycles of 15-16 days. There is a lack period when the doe may loose interest for the buck. Ovulation can also be induced through mechanical stimulation of vagina.

Mating

A doe whether is in heat condition or not is difficult to recognize outwardly. But, does may show some manifestations like restlessness, nervousness, rubbing of head and chin on the side of the cage or other objects. The vulva becomes swollen and purple in color. But, acceptability of the does to the bucks or does reaction to bucks should be taken as a criteria for heat. Therefore, detection of heat through buck should be made before allowing for copulation.

The approximate age of first mating is around 5-6 months of age. As a rule doe should be taken to the cage of buck but never be done vice versa to avoid fighting. Early morning and early evening are the most conducive time for mating. A receptive doe will lift her tail and allow mating. Males vary greatly in their sexual drive. A buck may be slow in performing the service to a strange cage. If a buck is virile and doe in perfect heat, mating will occur almost immediately. After successful mating the buck usually produces a typical cry and falls down to one side of the doe. One mating is usually sufficient. If a female does not allow in that case keeper should wait for 3 to 4 days or assist in mating holding the female. After mating the doe should be returned to her cage.

In a commercial rabbit farmers would like to have five or six litters per doe per year. This is possible only by weaning the litter at five weeks of age and mating the doe immediately following weaning. Each breeding cycle will take 65 to 75 days. This can also be achieved by mating the doe 21 days after kindling.

Pregnancy

The gestation (pregnancy) period in rabbit ranges from 28-32 days (approximately 30 days). The nest box is to be kept within the cage to facilitate the doe for preparing bedding for the new born. The nest is to be provided at least 5-6 days before parturition. The nest box should contain nesting materials like straw, grass, wood savings etc. Saw dust should not be used as bedding material. A doe may pullout some of her own hairs to make nest for litters. Adequate measures should be taken concerning feeding and management during pregnancy period. Quantity of feed should be increased for 10 to 15 days of pregnancy. Plenty of fresh water should be provided. Environmental stresses should be avoided as far as possible.

Pregnancy can be detected by various methods:

• Through palpation of abdomen by which embryos can be felt by hand. This is best done at about two weeks after mating. This technique can be perfectly done through experience.
  Placing the buck near the doe for mating. A buck may not mate the pregnant one.
• Uterine swelling-uterus may swell up to 12 mm at 9 days after mating. It may reach 20 mm at 13 days. Only experienced keeper may be able to predict the changes accurately.
• Changes in body weight-There are significant change in body weight from mating up to 30 days. Average gain of around 300-400 gm has been suggested from mating to 30 days in large sized rabbit.

Kindling (Parturition)

Process of giving birth of new baby of rabbit is known as kindling. It is a natural physiological phenomenon. The parturition very often takes place at late night or early morning. It may not require any interference by the keeper. The process usually completes within 7-30 minutes. Sometime all the litters may not be born on succession. Some may born after several hours or a day. The pregnancy may required to be terminated through injection of oxytocin. Following parturition the does used to lick the young and may eat the placenta. The baby rabbits will try to suckle the mother. If the number of litter is eight, all may be able to suckle since doe has eight teats. The baby rabbits those will be unable to suckle may turn weak and susceptible to diseases. Many of them may even die prematurely. The does should not be disturbed during this time and be fed ad-libitum. Adequate food and water should be provided so that optimum amount of milk is available to the baby rabbits. Rabbit used to nurse her young usually at night or early morning only for once. 6-12 baby kids may be barn from a single kindling.

Weaning

Immediately following birth baby rabbits are solely dependent on their mother. They are born naked. But at about 7 days, there is growth of hair and vitality of them. The eyes   used to open after 10 days. The baby rabbits can lead their lives without mothers’ milk at about 21 days of age. The young should be removed from their mother not before 4th week. The doe should be removed from the cage. Foods like concentrates and grasses should be provided. The baby rabbits can chew and eat after 3 weeks of age. The does can be rebred provided the physical conditions of them are satisfactory in nature after one week of kindling.

Identification of Sex (Sexing)

Sexing is done at the time of weaning. The baby rabbit has to be placed on the hand and by the pressure of thumb and forefinger the sex organ is to be pushed on either side. In case of buck the penis will come out as a protruded mass having rounded tip. But, a slit will be located in case of Doe.

Advantages of Rabbit Farming

1. They are highly prolific with some females producing 25 to 50 kits (young ones of rabbit) per year.
2. The meat of the rabbit is rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which comes under the category of white meat.
3. Small groups (up to 50 numbers) can be used to rear rabbits in the backyard of the house with kitchen waste as feed.
4. The initial investment cost for rabbit farming is low along with quick returns (about six months after the establishment of the farm).
5. They are the best producers of wool on per Kilogram body weight basis and require 30 percent less digestible energy to produce 1 kg of wool as compared to sheep.
6. They also provide income from the sale of kits, meat, pelt, and manure.
7. Rabbit manure is highly suitable for vermicomposting which provides excellent manure to be used as an organic fertilizer in agricultural fields.
8. Rabbit’s wool is 6-8 times warmer than the contemporary sheep wool.
9. Rabbits feed on forages of perse origins due to which they require very less quantity of costly concentrate feed and can be reared on roughage (Chander, 2019).

References

1. Anonymous (2019): http://www.bunnyhugga.com/a-to-z/general/history-rabbits.html
2. Anonymous-A (2019): https://www.bizencyclopedia.com/articles/view/6282/36
3. Chander (2019): https://krishijagran.com/animal-husbandry/how-to-do-profitable-commercial-rabbit-farming-in-india/
4. Hayati (2019): https://stylesatlife.com/articles/types-of-rabbits-and-their-breeds/
5. TNAU agritechportal (2009-2015): http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/animal_husbandry/animhus_breeding%20of%20rabbit.html