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Backyard Rabbit Farming project of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Veterinary College, Bangalore, has caught on some districts in Karnataka. The developed world recommends rabbit meat for its low fat content and easy to cook features.
In the wake of its diet benefits, the Union government through the department of Biotechnology has launched the two-year rural backyard rabbit farming project in UAS Veterinary College, Bangalore, for the first-time in the country with a funding of Rs 17 lakh.
The scheme is particularly targeted at those below the poverty line and the beneficiaries are mainly women who are identified through the Sree Shaktis. Under the Backyard Rabbit Farming project, UAS provides four rabbits and train the people in their management including its health related problems. The training which is imparted at the doorstep of the beneficiaries covers rabbit dressing for broiler rabbits and use of its skin for commercial purposes, Dr Y B Rajeshwari, principal investigator, small animals, UAS Veterinary College told Food & Beverage News.
According to UAS, rearing larger animals like cattle, sheep and pigs is tough primarily because graze lands are shrinking. The smallest recommended rabbit farm housing 10 females and two males requires an investment of Rs 72, 000.
Rabbits are micro livestock. Being small in size it is both economical and easy to rear in limited space.
A crucial affordable factor is its feed which consists of grass, plant roots and kitchen waste.
The rabbit meat is in demand because of its high nutritious content, low fat and being non-fibrous, making it easy to cook. The Karnataka government also has a rabbit farm at Hessarghatta maintaining its parent stock. In the last one decade, broiler rabbits have almost doubled. The annual growth of the broiler rabbit in Karnataka is around 40%. UAS officials opine that a lot more needs to be done to popularise rabbit rearing because many are not aware of the advantages of this business.
