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Angora Rabbits

This information is from a past project and whilst it is outdated it may still be a viable diversification option under the correct circumstances.

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General

This is a labour intensive industry and only a small number of UK producers are involved commercially. The average wool yield of English angora is 200 - 400 g/year, whereas for German angora it is in the region of 1 kg/year.

Thus, the genetic origin of stock bought in is of critical importance to the commercial producer.

White angora have been favoured in selection because of the associated ease of dyeing. However, some move towards naturally coloured fibre is evident in angora as in other fibre markets.

The normal practice for harvesting the wool in the West is shearing, which takes place four times a year in the UK, providing a fibre of 5 - 6 cm.

Please remember that special consideration must be given to the VAT aspects of diversification as the new activity may not be treated the same as the existing farm business from a VAT standpoint.

Market

World prices fluctuate considerably. With the Chinese dominating the supply of angora fibre, cheap imports from China hold down the price. 

German suppliers tend to operate on a large scale at an intensive level and to supply the thermal underwear markets.

The price depends on the quality of the fibre. At present the price is around £50/kg.

Physical Requirements

1. Temperature maintained between 5ºC and 25ºC. Good ventilation is critical, especially in breeding areas.

2. Individual hutches - 0.33 x 0.33 x 0.25 m3.

3. 80 - 100 g/day pelleted concentrates (for wool-only animals).

4. Replacements every 3 - 4 years.

5. Shearing equipment.

Costs

The following costing information is general and current prices should be sought for budgeting purposes.

Capital Costs

Buildings £40 - £75/head. 10 sq ft/cage (incl. passage).
Hutches £18 - £25/head.
Shearing equipment £50 each. £20 for nail clippers.
Does (1st cross) £200/head.
Bucks £150/head.
Working Capital £6/head for the first year.

 

Running Costs

 

Feed £150 - £170/tonne.
Vet & medicine £4/head.
Bedding £3/head.
Sundry expenses £4/head (including electricity).

 

Returns

 

Fibre £25 - £100/kg.
Gross Margin £30 - £80/head (higher if selling breeding stock).

Constraints

Rabbits lose condition easily and this is exaggerated by conditions such as cut feet, stress or draughty housing. Does are not necessarily instinctive mothers, and with the first litter in particular, the number may be very small, nursing may be inadequate, and the nest may be made late, too late, or not at all. The does give better feed conversion rate in terms of fibre produced, than bucks, by 5 - 30%.

Where breeding stock are also being produced, this income may still be greater than the output of the pregnant or suckling does, as the protein requirements for hair production are very high.

Bedding and food debris must not be allowed to contaminate the fibre as this seriously affects the price received.

VAT chargeable at 17.5% on fibre/skins.

Training

No information available

Grants

Through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013 funding is now available for rural businesses throughout Scotland for diversification and renewable energy projects. Specifically, support is delivered through Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities which was launched in April 2008. For further information about what support is available see the Section on Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities.

Further Information

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