ECONOMIC IMPLICATION OF DIFFERENT FEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN RABBIT PRODUCTION

Abstract

Some studies have shown that .rabbit production is a profitable venture
under the current prodaiction technique in which rabbit are fed using both
concentrate and forages among the local rabbit farmers. Not much however,
has been done to ascertain the economic efficiency of feeding rabbit either
concentrate or forages only, despite the fact that rabbit can be kept under
these two management practices as well.
This study was carried out to examine the economic implications of different
feed management practices on rabbit production, using on-farm research
technique, which spanned two reproductive cycles of 26 weeks. For the
experiment, three Does and one Buck were used.
Data collected through the experiment were analyzed using Descriptive
Statistics, Net -income Analysis, Efficiency and Productivity analyses. At
the end of the two production cycles, Doe A produced no weaners due to
death of its kittens. Doe B produced two weaners in Ihe second cycle and
none in the first cycle as a result of the death of its kitten too. However, Doe
C produced a total of nine weaners (five and four in the first and second
cycle respectively). The efficiency and productivity ratios revealed that
experiment C was more efficient and productive.