Have you ever considered rabbit farming as a top business
opportunity?
Though rabbit meat may not be as common as chicken , beef
or pork , there’s no doubt it’s a very lucrative business; every
year, over one million tons of rabbit meat is consumed
worldwide.
opportunity?
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| rabbit meat |
or pork , there’s no doubt it’s a very lucrative business; every
year, over one million tons of rabbit meat is consumed
worldwide.
The world’s four biggest producers and consumers of rabbit
meat are: China, Italy, Spain and France.
In Africa, the consumption of rabbit meat is gradually taking
off and a few farmers on the continent are already enjoying
the benefits of this niche business.
In this article, I’ll share the success stories of three farmers
in Ghana and Kenya who have achieved remarkable success
with their rabbit farms.
For those of you reading this who don’t know, rabbit meat
contains the highest amounts of digestible proteins and the
lowest cholesterol and fat of all types of meat. Rabbits are
also easy to raise; they’re clean and require little capital,
labour, time and space to manage.
This article will open your eyes to the amazing benefits of
the rabbit business and offers some valuable and free
resources you can use to get started. I had fun doing the
research for this article. I hope you have fun reading it!
Three successful African Rabbit Farmers
you need to know
Africa already boasts of a few rabbit farmers who started
from nothing but have built remarkably successful rabbit farm
businesses. Their success in spite of capital and skill challenges
will inspire and encourage you to take action on your business
ideas.
Let’s meet them!
Farmer Brown (Ghana)
Adotei Brown (popularly known as ‘Farmer Brown’) quit his
Civil Service job in 2002 to start his rabbit farm on a small
scale with three does (female rabbits) and one buck (male).
With just about 10 Ghanaian Cedis (about $3), he reinvested
all his profits into the business.
Today, his farm grows nearly
3,000 rabbits every year and slaughters up to 500 every
week for sale to grocery stores, restaurants and hotels. The
average price for his rabbits is about 20 Ghana Cedis (about
$6) and business is booming.
3,000 rabbits every year and slaughters up to 500 every
week for sale to grocery stores, restaurants and hotels. The
average price for his rabbits is about 20 Ghana Cedis (about
$6) and business is booming.
Farmer Brown has become a popular advocate for the
consumption of rabbit meat in Ghana. He has a special eatery
for rabbit meat on his farm, which attracts visitors, including
tourists.
consumption of rabbit meat in Ghana. He has a special eatery
for rabbit meat on his farm, which attracts visitors, including
tourists.
His eatery serves tasty rabbit meat in different forms:
grilled, smoked and cooked. He also has a thriving grasscutter
(bush meat) farming business that runs side-by-side with the
rabbit farm.
grilled, smoked and cooked. He also has a thriving grasscutter
(bush meat) farming business that runs side-by-side with the
rabbit farm.
Farmer Brown has dedicated himself to training more young
people in Ghana to take up rabbit farming. To assure a
steady market for the young generation of farmers he
trains, he buys mature rabbits from them to ensure they
have a steady cash flow from the business.
people in Ghana to take up rabbit farming. To assure a
steady market for the young generation of farmers he
trains, he buys mature rabbits from them to ensure they
have a steady cash flow from the business.
Moses Mutua, CEO Rabbit Republic (Kenya)
Popularly known as ‘Mr. Rabbit’ in Kenya, Moses Mutua grew
up in a poor family and couldn’t further his education
because his family couldn’t afford to pay for it.
Popularly known as ‘Mr. Rabbit’ in Kenya, Moses Mutua grew
up in a poor family and couldn’t further his education
because his family couldn’t afford to pay for it.
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| kenyan moses mutua alias 'mr Rabbit' |
reached that dream. Instead he got a job as a security
guard and worked at it for five years before he got fired.
Before he became Mr. Rabbit, Moses had already tried
greenhouse farming, fish farming , organic farming, but
settled on rabbits because they are the most lucrative
domesticated animals in the world in terms of time, space
utilisation and profit margins.
greenhouse farming, fish farming , organic farming, but
settled on rabbits because they are the most lucrative
domesticated animals in the world in terms of time, space
utilisation and profit margins.
Moses learned everything about rabbit farming from the
internet (by using Google) and finally started a small rabbit
farm with just six rabbits. That’s how his company, Rabbit
Republic, was born. (photo credit: nafis.go.ke)
internet (by using Google) and finally started a small rabbit
farm with just six rabbits. That’s how his company, Rabbit
Republic, was born. (photo credit: nafis.go.ke)
Today, Rabbit Republic has a turnover that’s more than Sh10
million (about $100,000) and slaughters about 2,000 rabbits every month.
His business has attracted investors and Moses is currently
developing a five-acre farm that will breed about 30,000
rabbits. The video below shows Mr. Rabbit in action on his
farm as he explains the profitability of the rabbit farming
business and why more entrepreneurs should seriously consider
it.
million (about $100,000) and slaughters about 2,000 rabbits every month.
His business has attracted investors and Moses is currently
developing a five-acre farm that will breed about 30,000
rabbits. The video below shows Mr. Rabbit in action on his
farm as he explains the profitability of the rabbit farming
business and why more entrepreneurs should seriously consider
it.
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| proteinous rabbit meat |
farmers across Kenya who receive free training and support
and in turn sell their mature rabbits to the company.
This expansion has paid off as Rabbit Republic has now
opened shop in neighbouring countries; Uganda and Tanzania.
But that’s not all. By mid-2015, the company plans to export
one ton of rabbit sausages to the US and Europe where the
demand for healthy meats (like rabbits) is growing.
Mr. Rabbit wants to make Kenya a major player in the
untapped global rabbit meat market. Currently, China, Italy,
Spain and France are the leading producers of rabbit meat
which has earned a reputation as a ‘super meat’ due to its
nutritional and health benefits.
Rabbit Republic is now partnering with universities and local/
international organisations to train more youths and women on
rabbit farming as a means to alleviate poverty.
Charles Kamau (Kenya)
Charles started a small rabbit farm in 2004 to provide
organic fertilizer for his vegetable farm. He lost his job in
the hospitality industry and had to do something to feed his
young family. His first attempt at raising rabbits was a
disaster because he lost all his animals to diseases.
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| charles holding up a flemish giant |
from his mistakes and started again. This time, it was a huge
success and he even had to demolish part of his house to
create more space for his thriving rabbit business.
Charles holding up a Flemish Giant, one of the
largest rabbit breeds in the world. (Photo credit:
Kenya Rabbit Network)
Charles Kamau stocks a wide range of rabbit breeds which
he sells to new farmers and also slaughters rabbits which we
supplies to local meat markets.
largest rabbit breeds in the world. (Photo credit:
Kenya Rabbit Network)
Charles Kamau stocks a wide range of rabbit breeds which
he sells to new farmers and also slaughters rabbits which we
supplies to local meat markets.
His top customers include foreign nationals living in Kenya,
restaurants and five-star hotels. In fact, he once got an
order from China to supply a consignment of 22,000 pieces of
rabbit fur but was unable to meet that huge request. This
just shows how big the demand for rabbit products is.
restaurants and five-star hotels. In fact, he once got an
order from China to supply a consignment of 22,000 pieces of
rabbit fur but was unable to meet that huge request. This
just shows how big the demand for rabbit products is.
Charles says he is now able to save more than Sh20,000
(about $220) every month from his rabbit business. The
business also provides money to feed his family and pay school
(about $220) every month from his rabbit business. The
business also provides money to feed his family and pay school
fees for his children who attend private schools.
A few years ago, he was able to buy some plots of land in
Nairobi (Kenya’s capital city) and recently bought a car
and a 12-acre property where he is planning to establish a
much larger rabbit farm.
A few years ago, he was able to buy some plots of land in
Nairobi (Kenya’s capital city) and recently bought a car
and a 12-acre property where he is planning to establish a
much larger rabbit farm.
3 Reasons why you should seriously
consider rabbit farming
The success stories of these rabbit farmers prove the huge
and largely untapped potential of the rabbit farming business
in Africa. In this section, I’ll reveal three major reasons why
you should seriously consider the rabbit farming business
opportunity. Here they are:
consider rabbit farming
The success stories of these rabbit farmers prove the huge
and largely untapped potential of the rabbit farming business
in Africa. In this section, I’ll reveal three major reasons why
you should seriously consider the rabbit farming business
opportunity. Here they are:
#1 There is a huge market opportunity for rabbits
The growing rate of heart disease and related ailments has
increased awareness of the harmful effects of cholesterol in
our diets.
More people are now going for ‘white’ meat which contains
low amounts of cholesterol. Unlike ‘red meats’ (especially beef
and pork), white meats like ostrich , poultry, fish and rabbit
meat contain less fats and cholesterols and have higher
health benefits. (photo credit:
thesaucysoutherner.com)
low amounts of cholesterol. Unlike ‘red meats’ (especially beef
and pork), white meats like ostrich , poultry, fish and rabbit
meat contain less fats and cholesterols and have higher
health benefits. (photo credit:
thesaucysoutherner.com)
Apart from fish, rabbit meat has the highest amount of
protein and contains the lowest fat than all other types of
meat. It contains less calories and Sodium than other meats
but contains more calcium and phosphorus (which is very
good).
protein and contains the lowest fat than all other types of
meat. It contains less calories and Sodium than other meats
but contains more calcium and phosphorus (which is very
good).
As a result of these properties, rabbit meat has become the
‘super meat’ for people looking to eat healthy meats and live
a healthier lifestyle. Rabbit meat is also very widely
accepted. Unlike snails and pork , there are hardly any
religious or cultural taboos about consuming rabbit meat.
‘super meat’ for people looking to eat healthy meats and live
a healthier lifestyle. Rabbit meat is also very widely
accepted. Unlike snails and pork , there are hardly any
religious or cultural taboos about consuming rabbit meat.
More than 700 million rabbits are slaughtered worldwide every
year, producing about 1 million metric tons of rabbit meat.
The world’s leader in rabbit meat production is China,
representing over 30% of total global production.
year, producing about 1 million metric tons of rabbit meat.
The world’s leader in rabbit meat production is China,
representing over 30% of total global production.
Rabbit meat is popular in countries such as Italy, Spain,
France and China. These countries consume the most rabbit
per person (about 8kg per person) and are the best export
markets for rabbit meat.
France and China. These countries consume the most rabbit
per person (about 8kg per person) and are the best export
markets for rabbit meat.
Rabbits produce high quality skins that are used to make fur
garments (like clothing, hats and boots), and to cover bicycle
seats, etc. Another significant use of rabbits is in cosmetic,
medical and pharmaceutical research laboratories. Rabbits
are also purchased by people who want to keep them as pets.
#2 Rabbit farming is lucrative because rabbits
multiply very fast.
garments (like clothing, hats and boots), and to cover bicycle
seats, etc. Another significant use of rabbits is in cosmetic,
medical and pharmaceutical research laboratories. Rabbits
are also purchased by people who want to keep them as pets.
#2 Rabbit farming is lucrative because rabbits
multiply very fast.
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| rabbit housing |
A single doe (female rabbit) can give birth to (litter) up to
40 kits (baby rabbits) in a single year. This means you can
start with two mature breeding rabbits (one male, one
female) and end up with over 40 rabbits in less than 12
months. That’s because rabbits can breed throughout the
year and it takes just about a month (30-33 days) for a
pregnant doe to produce baby rabbits. After they are born, rabbits grow very fast and can reach
maturity and market size in less than 6 months. One of the
reasons for this fast growth rate is that rabbits are
efficient converters of the food they eat.
40 kits (baby rabbits) in a single year. This means you can
start with two mature breeding rabbits (one male, one
female) and end up with over 40 rabbits in less than 12
months. That’s because rabbits can breed throughout the
year and it takes just about a month (30-33 days) for a
pregnant doe to produce baby rabbits. After they are born, rabbits grow very fast and can reach
maturity and market size in less than 6 months. One of the
reasons for this fast growth rate is that rabbits are
efficient converters of the food they eat.
Compared to other livestock animals (poultry, cattle, pigs
etc), rabbits convert up to 20 percent of the proteins they
eat into body weight. That’s higher than any other animal!
A mature rabbit ready for market can sell for up to $22
(depending on the location and customer). However, the cost
of raising a rabbit comes to about $1 per month.
According to Moses Mutua (CEO of Rabbit Republic), the
resources and cost incurred on raising one cow is equivalent
to what you’d use to raise 40 rabbits. As a result, rabbits
offer a higher profit potential than cattle and other
livestock.
(depending on the location and customer). However, the cost
of raising a rabbit comes to about $1 per month.
According to Moses Mutua (CEO of Rabbit Republic), the
resources and cost incurred on raising one cow is equivalent
to what you’d use to raise 40 rabbits. As a result, rabbits
offer a higher profit potential than cattle and other
livestock.
And because rabbits mature quickly and multiply very fast,
they offer one of the best opportunities to quickly recover
your costs and investment in a short period of time.
#3 Easy to start, cheap to operate and maintain
Rabbits don’t need any elaborate preparation or huge capital
to start up. You can start with two rabbits (male and
female) using a basic cage made of wood and chicken wire.
they offer one of the best opportunities to quickly recover
your costs and investment in a short period of time.
#3 Easy to start, cheap to operate and maintain
Rabbits don’t need any elaborate preparation or huge capital
to start up. You can start with two rabbits (male and
female) using a basic cage made of wood and chicken wire.
Unlike chickens, cattle and pigs, rabbits are not noisy animals.
They are very clean animals and don’t easily get attacked
by diseases.
Above all, rabbits don’t require a lot of space like other
livestock; it’s the ideal animal to raise in your backyard or
any place with little space. (photo credit: backyard-
rabbits.com)
They are very clean animals and don’t easily get attacked
by diseases.
Above all, rabbits don’t require a lot of space like other
livestock; it’s the ideal animal to raise in your backyard or
any place with little space. (photo credit: backyard-
rabbits.com)
Raising rabbits is not labour-intensive like cattle and poultry.
Rabbits are easy to feed and often don’t need a lot of
attention. As a result, a rabbit farming business can be run on
a part time basis.
Some kitchen waste, grass, plant leaves etc. are favorite
foods of rabbits. In fact, a single rabbit needs just about 120
grams of food daily. You can feed it in the morning before
you go to work and then in the evening when you return.
Rabbits are easy to feed and often don’t need a lot of
attention. As a result, a rabbit farming business can be run on
a part time basis.
Some kitchen waste, grass, plant leaves etc. are favorite
foods of rabbits. In fact, a single rabbit needs just about 120
grams of food daily. You can feed it in the morning before
you go to work and then in the evening when you return.
So, in terms of capital, time, space and labour needs, rabbit
farming beats poultry, pig farming, and cattle farming.
Ready to start your own rabbit farm?
farming beats poultry, pig farming, and cattle farming.
Ready to start your own rabbit farm?
Here are two important tips.
If you’re excited about everything you’ve read so far in this
article and can’t wait to join the small but fast growing
league of ‘rabbit entrepreneurs in Africa, here are two very
important things you need to do to get started:
If you’re excited about everything you’ve read so far in this
article and can’t wait to join the small but fast growing
league of ‘rabbit entrepreneurs in Africa, here are two very
important things you need to do to get started:
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| rabbits |
I don’t believe you must pay someone to teach you how to
raise rabbits. People like Moses Mutua (Rabbit Republic)
learned everything about rabbit farming on the internet.
There are lots of free manuals and videos online that will help
you. I have done some homework for you and found two of the
best manuals on the internet that you can use to learn
everything you need to know about rabbit farming. Here they
are:
Rabbits, A Producer’s Manual – This 61-page manual
is the most comprehensive book on rabbit farming you will
ever find. It contains everything you need to know about
rabbits including breeding, slaughter and packaging. I
strongly recommend it.
Raising Rabbits for Meat – This is another great
resource for learning everything about rabbit farming.
It’s written in very simple language which makes it easy
to understand. It covers a lot of topics including how to
build rabbit hutches and the common diseases that
affect rabbits. You’ll surely enjoy reading it.
#2 Find good breeder stock to get started
Breeder stock are the first rabbits a new farmer starts her
rabbit business with. Like I mentioned earlier, the minimum
stock you need to get started is one male (buck) and one
female rabbit (doe).
Breeder stock are the first rabbits a new farmer starts her
rabbit business with. Like I mentioned earlier, the minimum
stock you need to get started is one male (buck) and one
female rabbit (doe).
If you want, you can start with more does; one buck can
service up to five does. Ask around for local farmers who can
sell you a good breeder stock. Ask for evidence that proves
the gender of the rabbits you buy so you don’t end up with
all males or females.
Keep in mind that there are several breeds of rabbit.
However, some breeds are better suited for commercial
farming than others.
Commercial breeds grow into large sizes and produce faster.
Show rabbit breeds, which are often smaller than commercial
breeds, are popularly used as pets or raised for their fur and
may not be suited for commercial meat production.
The best places to find rabbit farmers are your local
livestock markets, Agriculture ministry or department or
through local farmers’ associations.
When do you want to get started?
This article has shown you how three rabbit farmers in
different parts of Africa achieved remarkable success in
the rabbit farming business.
This article has shown you how three rabbit farmers in
different parts of Africa achieved remarkable success in
the rabbit farming business.
We also looked at three reasons why more African
entrepreneurs should consider joining the rabbit farming
business. And finally, we shared some valuable resources that
would help you get started as soon as possible.
entrepreneurs should consider joining the rabbit farming
business. And finally, we shared some valuable resources that
would help you get started as soon as possible.
Have any questions or comments? I would love to hear from
you in the comments section below.
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