TABLE RABBITS (New Zealand White)

1. Industry and Products

The production of New Zealand White rabbits, primarily for table use is a new industry to Victoria.

Until recently farming of rabbits of any kind, was illegal in this State. The exception has been certain species under very controlled conditions for medical research and markets such as the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, and Angora rabbits as pets.

Recent legislation changes allow rabbit farming under strictly controlled conditions.

Rabbits have long been farmed overseas where there are markets for the skin and for the offal. The excrement is used as fertiliser or in the production of worm castings.

Australia's reluctance to join in this trade is related to the history of the common rabbit, as the scourge of farmers through much of the country during most of the 1900's. Only intensive farming is allowed, and Local Government planning requirements are strict.

Australians are not new to the eating of rabbit meat. During depression and drought in particular, the wild rabbit has been eaten by most and at times been the basic food. Nevertheless, the New Zealand White rabbit meat is much different to the very gamey wild rabbit, and rather more like modern chicken meat.

The skin and fur are marketable products as is the offal if processing is linked to similar industries and associated with processing of pet food and fertiliser.

2. Physical Requirements.

Both the State Government through Natural Resources and Environment and Local Government planners have strict requirements related to rabbit farming. Interested persons should make contact at an early stage.

As with other forms of intensive meat production a controlled environment is essential to maximise product quality and production efficiency. Hot rabbits will not eat high protein or body heating food, which is necessary for growth. Shed temperatures must be maintained between 10'C and 25'C. Ventilation must be good to disperse ammonia fumes. The sheds must be free of rodents and insects including mosquitoes. Dogs and cats must be kept away at all times, and human access restricted to that which is absolutely necessary, so that stress is minimised. Breeding stock must be vaccinated against calcivirus. Does should have a minimum of 15 hours of light and bucks a maximum of 8 hours per day for best performance.

Sheds must be set up for the ease of cleaning and animals given cafeteria access to food and clean water. Nipple drinkers should be positioned to avoid unnecessary wetting and feed hoppers structured to avoid scattering of the food, or entry and spoilage by the animals. An adult rabbit needs a minimum area of 0.6 square metres, and does need nest boxes to retain kittens until weaning at 4 weeks old. The same cages are used for weaned rabbits, which require only .07 square metres each.

Heating and cooling facilities are essential to maintain the required temperatures, and should include a ceiling water misting system.

A range of possibilities exist in shedding; ranging from utilisation of existing farm sheds, the use of igloos of reflective materials, and the purchase all inclusive, purpose built sheds, fitted with cages and watering points. A major consideration in the Mallee is the method of cleaning. While some systems hose out with water, limitations in supply would suggest a dry cleaning system as more appropriate. The cleaning method has implications for shed design, and means cages can only be of one layer. Breeding stock must be carefully selected.

3. Production.

For breeding, one buck is provided for every 6 does. Does can produce 6 - 7 litters a year of up to 10 kittens. Kittens are weaned at 4 weeks and are marketed at 12 weeks.

On the basis of 6 litters a year averaging 8 kittens, each doe will produced say 50 marketable units a year.

Rabbit farming is a very labour intensive and specialised operation and intending farmers are encouraged to start with a small number of animals. A permit is not required for less than 30 rabbits.

The breeding animals are housed individually in cages 1 metre x 0.6 metres. This allows for a nesting box for females and movement for males. Cages must be at least 45cm high. Females are taken to males, not vice versa.

The weaned rabbits can be in pens or large cages, with no more than 40 rabbits per unit. Most commonly the same cages are used for adults and are utilised for growing on. Ten rabbits must have at least .7 metre square space.

Nesting boxes are introduced to the does at least 2 days before the litter is due. Boxes should be easy to clean and be lined with clean straw or shredded paper.

Feed is the biggest single cost component. Like other animals, the best mix will relate to the particular rabbit. ie lactating rabbits, bucks and kittens will all benefit from specialised feed. Some companies produce specialised rabbit pellets.

4. Marketing

Marketing must always be the first question addressed when considering any new venture, and is essential for anyone considering rabbit production. Outlets will require consistency of supply, a product to their specifications and backed by a Quality Assurance program from producer or processor.

In turn this will require that rabbits for sale be assembled and handled through a smaller number of abattoirs.

Abattoirs and registered processing plants specialising in game birds do exist at places like Bendigo, Wycheproof, Donald and Pyramid Hill. Some of these may provide facilities for rabbits in the future.

For an industry to be established, the best approach would seem to be for an interested abattoir, with established markets for specialised products, to join with a group of interested growers to produce a business plan including a marketing plan.

As a new product, markets will initially be limited, but it is expected to grow as rabbits become available and presentation and marketing ideas develop. A planned approach could very well lead to export in the longer term.

5 Financial Aspects

• Shed (cages are 3 high in some systems.)
• Computer program.
• Temperature control system.
• Cages with watering, feeding and nest boxes. $50.00 each
• Breeding animals $70.00 each
• Feed - Costs $2.00 a market rabbit.
• Vet Costs
• Government Permits $160.00 (2 yrs)
• Power
• Labour
• Abattoir costs $ 2.00 per animal

Returns:
• Wholesale (live) 2.5 to 3.0 kg
• per rabbit $ 6.00
• Dressed 1.0 to 1.5 kg rabbit
• Per kilo $8.00-$10.00

6. Organisations and Contacts

7. References