You are in > Home > SAC Consulting > Consultancy Services > Consultancy Services F - H > Farm Diversification > Diversification Database > Archive > Rabbits - Meat Production

Rabbits - Meat Production

This information is from a past project and whilst it is outdated it may still be a viable diversification option under the correct circumstances.

Pages In This Document

General

UK production of rabbit meat is only 2 - 3,000 tonnes/annum, with a further 5,000 tonnes imported, mainly from China, Hungary and Poland.

The potential for import substitution and exports to Europe is large, particularly to France where consumption is 4 kg/head. Meat rabbits can be produced in a colony, flat deck, tier or cage system, the main breeds being New Zealand White, Californian, or All Grey.

A recommended initial size of units is 25-30 does, an average sized unit is 50-100 does, although some larger commercial units do exist in England. Young does bought at 12 weeks and mated at 16-20 weeks. Bucks bought at 16 weeks and first mated at 20 weeks.

A ratio of 20 does to a buck is recommended and there is a gestation period of 31 days. Does have a use-life of about 18 months in which they will have 10-12 litters. Litter sizes average 8-10 and 6-8 should be successfully fattened.

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

The market requires whole carcasses 2 - 3 kg average (8-10 weeks) weight or portioned pre-packed rabbit depending on the outlet. The number of processors are limited in Scotland and major processor in England usually require 1,000 rabbits/collection (though they may collect as few as 350 to 400), which may involve co-operative marketing for some Scottish producers.

Direct sales to local retailers or to the public is also possible in some localities.

Physical Requirements

Land:
Minimal.

Buildings:
Draft free, well ventilated, insulated buildings required. Capacity 10 - 12 sq ft/cage for flat deck system. Artificial light to maintain 14 - 16 hrs of day length required for breeding.

Special equipment:
Wire mesh cages, drinker systems, nesting boxes, feed hoppers, processing and freezing storage depending on outlet.

Labour:
One man required per 300 does full time.

Costs

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

Capital Costs

Stock:
Does £8-£12 upwards (~12 weeks old). Bucks £10 - £14 (~16 weeks old).

Buildings:
£60/doe if new (less if converted).

Equipment:
Cages £10 - £12, nest boxes £5 - £7, feed hoppers £4 - £9, drinker systems £5.

Eaudike Commercial Rabbits offer the following start-up packages:

Commercial package 50 does - Total inc vat £5060 (2002). 50 breeding does 12-13 weeks + 2 breeding bucks 13-14 weeks. Includes: 52 doe cages, 48 growing cages, 100 feeders, 52 floor plates, 40 nest boxes, 25 stands, 25 drinker tubes, 100 drinkers elbows and washers, 75 brackets, 1 pair pliers, 40mt black hose, 2mt 18/20 hose, 2 tank outlets, 2 reduction pieces, 2 black tees, 2 stop ends. Commercial package 100 doe - Total cost inc vat £8696 (2002) 100 breeding does 12-13 weeks + 4 breeding bucks 13-14 weeks. Includes: 104 doe cages, 84 growing cages, 188 feeders, 104 floor plates, 23 single stands, 12 double stands, 72 nest boxes, 1 pair pliers, 5 reduction pieces, 5 stop ends, 35 drinker tubes, 105 brackets, 2 tank outlets, 4 black tees, 4mt 18/20 hose, 40mt black hose.

Running Costs

Feed:
8 kg/hd @ £165/tonne = ~ £80 per doe per year

Vet & med:
£6/doe

Bedding:
£3 per doe

Total variable costs:
£90 per doe Feed conversion range 3 - 4.8:1 (Ave 4:1)

Returns

Meat rabbits average £1.20 p/kg liveweight (dress-out at 50%), marketed at 2.6 kg liveweight. Production target 45 - 50 meat rabbits/doe/year (experienced producers may achieve 60-70) Cull value: does ~£1.5 @ 2 yrs, bucks ~ £1.5 @ 3 yrs. Gross margin for a 50 doe unit about £45 - £55/doe (excluding capital amortisation).

Constraints

Marketing outlets - lack of processors in Scotland. Mortality 25% on average - good stockmanship essential. Animal rights activist interference.

Legal considerations: planning permission or building regulations approval required in some areas.

Food hygiene general regulations 1970 must be followed if carrying out own slaughter. Welfare regulations exist for hutch size, ventilation, etc.

Training

LANTRA has a list of courses for which include a variety of farm diversification topics.

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

Publications

The commercial meat rabbit producers handbook - CRA publication.
A compendium of rabbit production - GTZ (1985) W. Schlolaut.
DEFRA's Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Rabbits The Rabbit - Husbandry, Health and Production - FAO Animal Production and Health Series No. 21 (1997)
Code of Practice for Commercial Rabbit Farming (1987) Commercial Rabbit Association.
The nutrition of the rabbit - W. Schlolaut, Roche Animal Nutrition Department.
Check Landsman's Bookshop Ltd's Rabbit Farming Section