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Rabbit meat production typically begins with weaned kits, usually around 30 days old, which are then placed on a short-term fattening program. During this period, their weight increases from approximately 0.5 kg to 2.5 kg before slaughter, aiming to maximize meat yield. Alongside achieving the final output, commercial rabbit farming must also focus on cost efficiency and overall profitability. Effective feeding and management practices play a crucial role in meeting these goals.
The main objective is to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, improve daily weight gain, and lower feed costs. To achieve this, several key techniques should be prioritized:
1. **Ensure Proper Nutrition**
For both specialized farms and small-scale rural households, it's recommended to use high-quality granular supplements combined with fresh green feed during the fattening stage. The ideal nutrient levels for concentrate feeds include: digestible energy of 12 MJ/kg, crude protein at 18%, crude fat between 3-4%, crude fiber of 11-12%, calcium ranging from 0.7-1.0%, phosphorus at 0.4-0.6%, and lysine and methionine at 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively. The daily feed amount for granular material can gradually increase depending on the live weight—starting from 0.5 kg up to 2.0 kg. Additionally, 100–400 grams of high-quality green feed should be provided each day. For large-scale operations, full-price pelleted feed is preferred, with digestible energy set at 10–12 MJ/kg, crude protein around 16–17%, and crude fiber between 12–14%. The average daily feed per rabbit should be 60–150 grams. It's important to gradually increase feed amounts and maintain regular feeding schedules, either through controlled portions or free-choice feeding, while ensuring constant access to clean water.
2. **Effective Management Practices**
Fattening rabbits are often raised in groups, either in separate cages or pens, with about 8–10 rabbits per square meter. However, grouping by size helps prevent smaller rabbits from being bullied, improving overall uniformity and quality. In dry regions, it's beneficial to implement a "ground catch" system one month before slaughter, which enhances cage turnover and space utilization. When temperatures drop below 10°C, proper bedding and insulation measures such as closing doors and windows should be taken. Also, commercial rabbits should not be exposed to more than 12 hours of sunlight daily. Feeding troughs, waterers, and straw feeders should be arranged so that all rabbits in a cage can eat and drink simultaneously, minimizing trampling and contamination of food and water.
3. **Prompt Removal of Sick Rabbits**
To avoid unnecessary feed waste and increased costs caused by slow-growing or weak individuals, it’s essential to remove the weakest kits early in the fattening process. These animals not only pose a risk of spreading diseases but also raise operational expenses. As soon as a sick rabbit is identified, it should be removed immediately to prevent outbreaks of diseases like coccidiosis or digestive disorders. Strict biosecurity measures should also be maintained to ensure the health and productivity of the entire flock.