Rabbit

1. Site Selection and Housing

• Location & Environment:

  • Choose sites with good drainage, minimal risk of flooding, and protection from extreme temperatures.

• Housing Space:

  • For intensive systems, provide approximately 0.4–0.6 m² per adult rabbit in cages, while colony or pen systems should aim for 0.8–1.0 m² per animal to allow natural movement and social interactions.

• Climate Control:

  • Maintain ambient temperatures ideally between 15–20°C; ensure that at least 80–100% of the housing area is climate-controlled and well-ventilated.

2. Water Management and Environmental Control

• Water Supply:

  • Offer clean, fresh water ad libitum via automatic nipple drinkers or water bottles to ensure 100% access for all rabbits.

• Quality Parameters:

  • Maintain water pH between 6.5 and 7.5; water temperatures should generally be between 15–20°C to avoid thermal stress.

• Maintenance:

  • Replace or clean water systems daily to reduce microbial contamination by over 80%.

3. Feeding and Nutrition Management

• Diet Composition:

  • Provide a balanced diet based on high-fiber forage (e.g., hay) and concentrate feeds.

  • Grower and fattening diets typically contain 16–18% protein and 14–16% crude fiber.

• Feeding Rates & Frequency:

  • A breeding doe may consume around 150–200 grams of feed per day, while growing rabbits have an FCR (feed conversion ratio) around 3–3.5:1.

  • Feed should be available ad libitum or provided at 3–4 scheduled intervals daily for consistent nutrient intake.

4. Health Monitoring and Veterinary Care

• Routine Health Checks:

  • Conduct regular (often weekly) examinations covering 100% of the herd to detect early signs of illness or stress.

• Mortality Rates:

  • With proper management, overall mortality can be maintained below 5–10%.

• Preventative Care:

  • Implement vaccination protocols (e.g., for clostridial diseases) and parasite control for 100% of animals as recommended by a veterinarian.

5. Breeding and Reproduction Management

• Reproductive Parameters:

  • Rabbits have a gestation period of approximately 28–31 days.

  • Litter sizes typically range from 5 to 8 kits.

• Production Rate:

  • Under optimal conditions, a doe may produce 5–8 litters per year, equating to roughly 30–40 kits annually.

• Weaning and Kit Survival:

  • Kits are usually weaned at 4–6 weeks of age, with neonatal survival rates targeted at 85–90%.

• Genetic Diversity:

  • Rotate breeding stock to maintain genetic variability at or above 80%, reducing the risk of inbreeding.

6. Biosecurity and Disease Prevention

• Quarantine Procedures:

  • New or returning rabbits should undergo a quarantine period of 14–30 days (typically around 21 days) to ensure they are disease-free.

• Sanitation Protocols:

  • Daily cleaning and disinfection of cages, equipment, and housing areas should achieve a pathogen reduction of over 80%.

• Disease Control:

  • Strict biosecurity measures can help reduce disease incidence by 80–90%.

7. Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability

• Manure Handling:

  • Regular removal (daily or every other day) of droppings and soiled bedding minimizes ammonia buildup and odor.

• Waste Recycling:

  • Rabbit manure is a valuable fertilizer—many operations recycle up to 70% of manure into organic fertilizer or biogas production.

• Environmental Impact:

  • Effective waste management systems can reduce environmental pollutant discharge by 80% or more.

8. Record Keeping and Data Management

• Comprehensive Documentation:

  • Maintain detailed records for 100% of animals, tracking individual growth rates, feed consumption, health treatments, and reproductive performance.

• Data Accuracy:

  • Digital systems can reduce error margins to below 2%, supporting informed management decisions and regulatory compliance.

• Performance Reviews:

  • Regular (monthly) data analysis helps optimize nutrition, breeding, and overall production strategies.

9. Safety and Handling Practices

• Staff Training:

  • Ensure 100% of personnel receive training in safe handling, animal welfare, and emergency procedures, which can reduce handling-related injuries to less than 1%.

• Handling Protocols:

  • Implement standardized procedures and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during all interactions with rabbits.

• Facility Safety:

  • Regularly update and practice safety protocols, including emergency evacuation plans and equipment handling guidelines.

10. Legal Compliance and Market Strategies

• Regulatory Compliance:

  • Adhere to local, national, and international standards on animal welfare, food safety, and environmental protection, aiming for 100% compliance during inspections.

• Product Quality:

  • Target product quality acceptance rates above 95% for both meat and fur, meeting consumer and export market standards.

• Certifications and Marketing:

  • Obtain necessary certifications (e.g., HACCP, ISO, or local animal welfare certifications) to enhance market confidence and facilitate access to premium markets.