The economics of rabbit production

Every rabbit raiser is a businessman whether he raises a few or a hundred rabbits. For success, he must put money, time, and talent into the project for some expected return. Economists describe this business operation in this way:

COSTS - INPUTS

1. Land and building

2. Hutches, watering and feeder troughs.

3. Feeds

4. Other overhead.

RETURNS - OUTPUTS

1. Livestock

2. Rabbit meat

3. Rabbit by-products

a. fur

b. paws

c. tails

d. manure

1 ) Fertilizer

2) Methane gas

Rabbit production is one backyard industry that promises a bright future. Why' Because almost 99 per cent of the rabbit is useful - the meat for food, the fur for clothing, paws and tails for trinkets, and the manure for soil improvement and for new energy source... bio or methane gas.

The returns from rabbit raising vary from place to place and from time to time. So rabbit producers may either expand or close down their projects on the basis of local and national demands.

However, rabbits are perhaps the most economical and profitable of all kinds of livestock. They can utilize inferior feeds and still provide quality meat and fur. Moreover, with a better quality feeding program, they can increase bunny production thus allowing a higher profit margin for the producer.

A good rabbit raiser strives to raise as many bunnies as possible from one doe within a year or during her productive life. Good management includes the wise selection of initial breeding stock and the determination of how much time and capital is to be invested in the project. It also includes good care of the does, bucks, bunnies and paying alert attention to housing, cages, sanitation, and record keeping.

Here is an example of profit potential for one doe and a kindling of six bunnies.

1. At 4 months of age, 6 fryers slaughtered 6 kilos @ PI2.00/K	P 72.00
2. Fur - tanned skins sold 6 fryers @ P6.00...................………….	36.00
3. Manure - 1/3 of total feed - 82 ¸ 3 = 27 kilos @ P.25 or about .3. cubic. ft/doe/year.....................……………………………………	6.75
4. Paws and tails 30 pieces @ P1.20 each .......................	36.00
GROSS TOTAL ...............................................................	P 150.75
Minus cost of commercial feed @ P-/K..............................	99.00
NET GAIN (for one doe) ..........................................................	P 51.75

If bunnies are all sold live at 4 months of age the following computation is applicable:

1. Six bunnies @ P40.00 each	P 240.00
2. Manure	6.75
GROSS TOTAL	P 246.75
Minus cost of commercial feed (see above)	99.00
NET PROFIT	P 147.75