The Requirements to Start Rabbit Farming in South Africa
What do I Need to Start Rabbit Farming in South Africa?
Requirements
- Agriculturally-zoned land.
- A building or structure to house your animals.
- Infrastructure (security, water and electricity).
- Rabbit farming/ breeding equipment.
- Breeding stock (production does and commercial bucks).
- Farming Contract.
- A person to take care of the farming operations (farmer).
Is there a market for rabbits in South Africa?
Yes, South Africa is a net exporter of rabbit meat and live rabbits/hares. Domestically, consumption of rabbit meat is currently below 20% as compared to over 80% which is destined for export markets. Investing in rabbit farming could enhance food security while as well creating jobs in communities.
Which rabbit is best for meat in South Africa?
In some countries, there are performance testing programmes that measure feed conversion and other production traits for breeding purposes. Generally, “The New Zealand White breed is most commonly used for meat production in South Africa.
Are rabbit farms profitable?
Rabbits have the potential to be one of the more profitable species to raise. They often give birth to large litters, and offspring grow fast and reach either market or breeding weight more quickly than any other species.
How much do rabbits cost in South Africa?
Rabbits are slaughtered at between 2 kg to 2.5kg and each raw unit costs between R55 to R150. But you shouldn’t start too small, one expert advises.