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Rabbit farming has become increasingly popular in recent years, but many farmers or investors face challenges due to the lack of comprehensive guides and resources. To address this issue, "Rabbit Farming" offers a detailed and informative resource for rabbit farmers. This book covers breed selection, marketing strategies, health and nutrition, housing requirements, breeding techniques, and disease prevention and control. Whether you're new to rabbit farming or an experienced farmer, this book provides valuable insights and strategies for success in the industry. All images and figures in this book are sourced from the public domain to enhance reader understanding.

Food security is a pressing global concern that requires immediate attention. The rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization has resulted in a reduction of available land for agriculture, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing demand for food. In countries like India, where there is already a shortage of meat, rabbit farming has shown great potential in helping to bridge this gap.

Rabbits belong to the mammalian order Lagomorpha, which includes rabbits, hares, and Pikas. Fossil records indicate that Lagomorpha originated in Asia over 40 million years ago during the Eocene period. The continental drift during this period likely contributed to the diverse distribution of rabbit and hare species worldwide, excluding Australia. There are over 60 recognized breeds of domestic rabbits in Europe and America, all descended from the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the only widely domesticated rabbit species. This species is distinct from native rabbits like North American jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits, as well as all hare species.

Breeds of rabbits: There is a diverse range of breeds when it comes to domestic rabbits, with each one possessing unique qualities. Currently, there are 38 recognized breeds and 87 varieties of rabbits that are well established all around the world. These breeds and varieties differ in various aspects such as color, size, type of hair coat, and other characteristics. Depending on their purpose, rabbits can be categorized into three groups: those bred for meat production, those bred for fur production, and those kept as companion animals.

The success of a rabbitry depends heavily on the equipment and hutches used. Climate, location, and budget all play a role in determining the type of equipment needed. Before constructing the hutches, careful planning is necessary to minimize labor and ensure optimum working conditions. A clean and efficient layout should also be considered in order to provide an ideal environment for raising rabbits. With a wide range of hutch designs available, it is important to choose one that best suits the specific needs and purpose of the rabbitry.

In the rabbit production industry, providing a healthy diet and adequate amount of food every day is crucial for success. Rabbits can only survive and thrive on a diet of forage, so it is important to carefully consider their nutritional needs when planning their feeding regimen. Some rabbit producers choose to provide basic grains in addition to forages in order to increase the potential productivity of their herd. These grains can be sourced from one's own farm or purchased commercially as concentrated feeds. The type of feed given to rabbits will greatly impact the management of the herd, such as how frequently they need to be rebred.

The management of a rabbit herd is a crucial aspect that requires careful planning and organization. As part of a larger scheme involving five medium-sized rabbit farms, the production and marketing of live rabbits and rabbit meat were streamlined into a single business. Although this may differ from the usual backyard production system, it serves as an ideal example of how one can modify their approach to suit specific needs. The success of this scheme lies in its detailed design, which ensures efficient management and optimal output for the herd. 

There are three sizes of rabbit farms: small, medium, and giant. Initially, their owners typically had a small number of does and a stock of growing bunnies for their personal use. Rabbit farms began expanding and selling animals when butchers began to sell rabbit meat. Breeds, housing conditions, feeding practices, and management strategies were all developed in accordance with the increase in does. In Europe, backyard stock owners have a mediocre interest in expertise. 

Many families who have had the pleasure of raising rabbits consider them to be valuable members of their family. Unfortunately, rabbits are susceptible to a wide range of issues and illnesses, much like other pets. Upper respiratory tract infections (snuffles), internal and external parasites, dental disease, gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, uterine issues (cancer or infections), and pododermatitis (foot sores or sore hocks) are common illnesses that affect pet rabbits. Rabbits are incredibly prolific creatures with a vast potential for procreation. 

Rabbit-based cuisine has been made and enjoyed on a regular basis since the first early civilisations in the Mediterranean region. Rabbit is an easy-care plant that grows well in backyards and on farms. There are notable differences in rabbit production between nations. In 2020, Asia produced 70.5% of the world's rabbit meat, with Europe coming in second. Based on estimated figures obtained from FAOSTAT, there was a 24.1% decline in the global production of rabbit meat between 2010 and 2020.

In recent years, the demand for rabbit meat and products has been steadily increasing in India. This has led to a growing interest in rabbit farming and research in the country. The future of rabbit research in India looks promising, with ongoing efforts to improve breeding techniques, nutrition, and disease management. Some of the key areas of focus include developing high-yielding breeds that are well adapted to the Indian climate and improving feed formulations to optimize growth and productivity. As there is also a rising interest in rabbit fur production, research is being conducted on ways to enhance fur quality and increase its market value. Furthermore, studies are being carried out on the potential health benefits of consuming rabbit meat as a source of lean protein. 

A Abscesses 104-107, 113 Altex Rabbit 26 Amino acids 119 Angora 1, 5, 13-19, 24, 87, 131, 133, 134, 135, Antioxidant 124 Artificial insemination 91-92, 95-96 Automatic Waterer 49 B Bamboo Hutch 40 Bamboo Troughs 43-44, 48 Beveren 29, 31 Blanc De Bouscat 24 Body weight 2, 3, 14, 15, 18, 60, 61, 94, 98, 100, 127, 133 Breeding and Genetic Research 131 British Angora 5, 14 British Giant 25 C Caecal impaction 109 Caecotrophy 4 Cage system 50-52 Cage system 50-52 Cans 46-47, 50, 88 Capital cost 128 Carbohydrates 62 Ceramic Crocks 49 Checkered Giant 27 Climate 7, 12, 18, 20, 35, 50, 92, 100-101, 131, 133, 135 Coccidiosis 6, 9, 51, 67, 85, 96, 107-108, 116, 134 Colony housing system 53-54 Concentrates 7, 61, 63-65 Continental Giant 22-23 Coprophagy 67 Counterset Nest Box 57 Crocks 42, 47-49, 83 Crossbred Angora 18 Cutaneous staphylococcosis 104