Performance of Weaner Rabbits under Prevailing Feeding Systems in Kiambu County, Kenya

Despite the recent upsurge of interest in rabbit farming in Kenya, there is inadequate information on both on-farm performance and cost of production which are important in determining the profitability of the enterprise. This study assessed these 2 parameters in 6 rabbit farms in Kiambu County. In each farm, 40 weaners were monitored to determine their feed intake, weight gain, the time to reach 2 kg body weight and the cost per weight gain. The type, quantity, quality and cost of feeds offered was monitored. The key determinant of the type of feed offered to rabbits was availability rather than quality. None of the offered feeds singly provided all the required nutrients in the amount for growing rabbits. Forages on offer were low in Crude Protein (CP) content (average, 12.6% vs. recommended 16-17%) while commercial concentrates were low in fibre content (average, 9.2% vs. recommended, 15-16%). On average, a weaner attained 2 kg body weight at 18 (range, 16-19) weeks after consuming 6.6 (range, 5.5-8.1) kg DM, 874.9±163.6 (range, 761-962.2) g of CP and 14723±1868.7 (range, 11535-17643) Kcal of digestible energy with a feed conversion ratio of 6.3±0.7 (range, 5.6-7). Feed cost per unit weight gain averaged KES 164.5 (range, 135.3 -234.4) while the production cost per kg weight gain was KES 280.2. The study concluded that rabbits at the farm level received inadequate energy and protein leading to slow growth rates, delayed attainment of target weight and a high cost of production making the enterprise unprofitable. There is need to evaluate feeding of rabbits with an aim to providing balanced diets to gain body weight and to optimize performance and consequently improved profitability.