MVSc

The study was conducted to evaluate the success rate of rabbit farming in Idukki district, where the rabbit population is highest (38,433) in the state. Fifty rabbit units were selected at random and classified based on the number of doe units reared by them as small(1-10 doe unit), medium (11-20 doe unit) and large (>20 doe unit) to evaluate the farmers profile and managemental practices. Macro and microclimatological data of the study area were recorded during the study period. Monthly mortality of rabbits, breeding and monthly production of kits were also recorded. The feed ingredients fed to rabbits were analyzed. Mineral status, bio chemical parameters and lipid profile of serum was checked.

Rainy season and transition period to rainy season found to have a pronounced impact on the mortality of rabbits in Kamakshy panchayath. The rabbit farmers here were not breeding their rabbits during the rainy season.

The rabbit farmers mostly lived in nuclear family system and were having rabbit farming as their subsidiary occupation. Both middle aged (31-50 years) people and youngsters (<30 years) were mainly involved. In Kamakshy panchayath rabbit farming serve as an additional income for the small and medium farmers and as a means of livelihood security as far as the the large farmers are concerned. Majority of them were educated and having 5-10 years of experience.A combination of local grasses and kitchen waste were the predominant feeding pattern among small farmer groups. Cage system was the preferred type of housing with a cage size of 1-2 sq.ft. and 2-4 sq.ft. Cages were located adjoining the house, 1-15 ft to > 15 ft away from the house. Housing cost found to be very cheap in Kamakshy panchayath. Rabbits were sold predominantly on live weight basis, above two months of age in all the three farmer groups and were sold at less than Rs.100 per kg body weight. Pasteurellosis and Coccidiosis were the frequently occurring disease and this account for the major share of mortality among the rabbits. Majority of the small and medium farmers were doing treatment with the help of experienced farmers.
The serum parameters like total proteins, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorous, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, proximate analysis of feed ingredients, slaughter studies, chemical analysis of meat and economic analysis of rabbit farming showed significant difference between groups. Azolla had a higher crude protein (18.68±0.32 Vs 12.62±0.32) and lower crude fibre (13.03±0.26 Vs 18.38±0.38) content compared to mixed grass. The protein content of azolla is comparable to the concentrate feed for rabbits and fibre content of mixed grass is good to prevent the digestive disorders. The dressing percentage varies from 41.11 in small to 51.3 in large farmer groups. Chemical analysis of meat revealed the highest value for crude protein content in Longissmus Dorsi (LD) muscle (20.79±0.50) and hind leg (20.47±0.49).
The profit in rabbit farming from a single doe among the three farmer groups were calculated. Constraints in rabbit farming were studied and possible suggestions were made. Cogg- Douglas production function for rabbit farming in Kamakshy panchayath has given an average return to scale of 1.89. The profit per month from a single doe unit in small, medium and large farmers found to be Rs.117.13, Rs.133.73 and Rs.174.38 respectively. Cost for cages (Rs.38.87) and feed (Rs.449.93/year) which form the lions share in rabbit farming is very least among small farmer group. Thus this small scale backyard rabbitry can be a useful enterprise for providing supplementary income to improve the socio-economic conditions of the rural and urban poor and a large scale rabbitry can be recommended as an enterprise for livelihood security.