Rabbits rearing: Here is where the money is

Joseph Ngatia a butcher at Millimag Rabbits preparing rabbit meat during the annuals ASK show that was held at the Jamhuri showgrounds. [Silas Otieno, Standard] Though it has high potential, the demand for rabbit meat is still significantly low. However, there are some farmers who have seen the potential and are capitalising on it. Millimag Rabbits proprietor Justin Magiri is eyeing to expand his colony of rabbits from the current 2,000, as he pushes to meet the growing demand of rabbit meat locally. Magiri started rabbit farming nine years ago as a part time business to supplement his income but has since experienced tremendous growth. "One thing that I like about rabbit farming is that they are fast breeders and they can multiply fast," says Magiri. Right now, he boasts of having an eatery in Nairobi, along Ngong Road, near Adams Arcade and a rabbit farm in Mombasa. The eatery, he says has necessitated venturing into value addition of rabbits, where they have diversified consumption of rabbit meat. Rabbits require less space and mature faster within four months. They are also prolific in production as one female rabbit can give birth to up to 14 bunnies every month. Gestation period for rabbits The gestation period for rabbits is between 28 and 32 days and they are ready for slaughter at four months. The farm sells rabbit meat, by-products and breeds. At the eatery they make sausages, samosas, pies, pizzas, burgers and kebabs. Research shows that there is very low consumption of rabbit meat in Kenya. This has been attributed to the lack of insufficient promotion, erratic product supply, unreasonable prices, and competition from other variety of meats. "If only people opened their minds to the value of white rabbit meat, today there would be fewer diseases associated with red meat," says Magiri. Rabbit Meat is rich in vitamin B12 which is not only good for brain health but also optimise the function of the nerve system. Eating rabbit meat prevents degenerative conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's, according to Healthline.com. Rabbit meat also has a lower amount of sodium as compared to other meats, making rabbit meat even more appealing to people with high blood pressure. As compared to chicken, rabbit meat has higher levels of phosphorus and calcium. These two minerals work together to help build healthy bones. It is also high in Niacin, a mineral that helps convert carbs into energy. As with all types of meats, the amount of nutrition you will get out of rabbit meat depends on how you prepare it. It can be fried with little to no oil thanks to its composition. Other popular methods include baking, grilling, or cooking in stews or soups. Magiri has tasted the huge potential of the business. "We serve the domestic market through our outlet, food deliveries and the restaurant whilst supplying farmers with breeders," says Magiri. A kilogramme of rabbit meat costs Sh750. Aside from meat, the farm uses rabbit products such as the skin to make sandals, mats and their urine to make foliar fertiliser. Rabbit Urine "Rabbit urine has high levels of nitrogen. Nitrogen is a key element in healthy leaf formation. This makes it an appropriate folia boosting fertiliser. Because of the concentration of the compounds in the urine, the liquid also kills crop pests like aphids," he says. To tap the urine, a rabbit coop is built in such a way that the urine seeps through a wire mesh onto corrugated plastic sheets to a gutter that drains it into a collection bucket. It takes three to four rabbits to collect a litre of urine per day through a specially designed hutch to enable the collection. According to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) rabbit urine is rich in macro-nutrients needed by plants for nourishment. Rabbit urine is sold at Sh100 per litre, though is packed in a five litre jerrycan. Rabbit urine can be used to process fertiliser. To make rabbit urine fertiliser, you need 25 litre jerrycan, sugar fluid, EM4 (bacterial decomposition), water corn starch or water of thick rice - to help feed the micro-organisms. Steps to follow: Rabbit's urine is put into a 25-litre jerry can mixed with 500 ml drops of sugar fluid, 240 ml of EM4 (bacterial decomposition), and one litre of water of thick rice washing or 100g in one litre of water corn starch mixture to help feed the micro-organisms. Then the jerrycan is sealed, but the lid is perforated and attached with a hose. In order the fluid of fertiliser fermentation to remain sterile, the hose is dipped into a bottle filled with water.At least once a week, the fluid of fermented urine should be stirred to dissolve evenly and not precipitate. After three weeks, this liquid will change to black, and smell like wine. Magiri Kimbio, director at Millimag Rabits Farm displaying a mat that is made from rabbit skin during the annuals ASK show that was held at the Jamhuri showgrounds. [Silas Otieno, Standard] Sandals and mats The skin with its fur can be used to make sandals, hats and mats. Millimag Rabbits farm sells these on their website. Sandals, range from Sh800 to Sh1,000. Mats are sold at Sh500. "It is also necessary for us to learn to tan the leather of the animals, as this will significantly increase the earnings. The leather is more profitable than the meat," says Magiri. Magiri was able to make rabbit production a successful agri-business through integrating other players along the value chain. He supplies rabbit breeders and trains new farmers looking to venture in rabbit farming.Like any other small-scale producer, his expansion plan faces industrial constraints such as sourcing of feeds while financial challenges have also played their part in the rolling out of the business.

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