Why farmers have abandoned poultry, fish for rabbit production in Kano
Recent findings have revealed that poultry and fish farmers in Kano State have found solace in rabbit production. They are gradually expanding the business of rabbit rearing, claiming that it is more profitable, cost effective and requires little capital to start.
It was gathered that the recent hike in the price of poultry and fish feeds has forced many farmers in the state to close down their farms because they could not afford it and the market is not helping matters. The farmers were said to have begun looking for avenues to remain relevant in practice, and that was how they came about the adoption of commercial rabbit production as a substitute to fish and poultry production.
Another rabbit farmer and retired civil servant, Malam Adamu Ussaini, revealed that he was into rabbit production because it is very easy and requires less capital with a high turn on investment of over 200 per cent.
According to him, there has been a rise in rabbit meat demand as it is said to be of high quality, being high in protein and low in fat content, and as such, many regard it as medicinal. He added that the maker is now considered to be very lucrative as it is set to replace poultry and fish farming.
However, the belief that it is medicinal has generated a serious
boom in rabbit meat supply because many think it cures common ailments.
“The economic value of rabbit is rising as it is now being supplied to some parts of the country like other livestock. It is also believed to be of medicinal value. Presently, rabbit meat is supplied to many places like Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and other states,” he said.
It was gathered that with the current high demand on rabbit, the price has begun to appreciate as a pair is now selling between N6,000 and N8,000, depending on their sizes.
It was, however, revealed that the business is becoming more acceptable due to the fact that it does not require much capital to start and rabbits feed on almost everything edible, unlike fish and chicken.
According to a Kano-based nutritionist, Malam Habibu Musa, rabbits are a quick-breeding source of low-fat, high protein and have long been enjoyed as food by many people across the world, Nigeria inclusive.
He revealed that for a very long time, rabbit meat has been sought by both the rich and the poor, adding that in many cases, it serves as substitute for chicken in many recipes.
He explained that it is on record that until the increase in beef consumption in the 1960s, rabbit production was popular in the United States of America (USA) as farm business. However, today, the interest in lower fat diets and healthy eating, combined with an ongoing pursuit by chefs, as well as more scientific discovery, has led to an increase in demand.
Malam Aminu Kabiru has been a poultry farmer for over two decades and he is currently exploring rabbit production for the second consecutive year. According to him, indices have shown that considering the way and manner at which the price of feed is going up, only few people would be able to continue with the business of poultry farming in the near future. He added that due to the forecast situation, he decided to explore other means to sustain his poultry farming; hence the adoption of rabbit production.
He added that rabbits are characterised by small body sizes, short gestation period, high reproductive potential, rapid growth rate, genetic diversity and their ability to utilise forages and other sources of food easily. He explained that to make it more interesting, rabbits by-products can also serve as major diet components and are said to be devoid of fat, thereby making their meat suitable as an important source of protein.
However, with the development recorded, it is believed that many farmers would soon join the train. It is expected that the business of rabbit production would soon grow to a level that would require government’s intervention. Some of the farmers have also begun advocating a special consideration from the authorities to support the business like fish poultry farming.