Don canvasses promotion of rabbit production in Nigeria, stresses agripreneurship opportunities, sustainable livelihood
pannigeriannews
3 min read
By Sunday Adepoju
A lecturer at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Professor Olusegun Ojeniyi Ojebiyi, has canvassed commercial rabbit production in Nigeria.
Professor Ojebiyi of the University’s Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences also dwelled on agripreneurship opportunities and sustainable livelihood which, according to him, are achievable in rabbit production in Nigeria.
The Professor of Monogastric Animal Nutrition and Management stated this on Wednesday while delivering LAUTECH’s Faculty of Agricultural Sciences 8th Lecture Series titled “The Rabbit: A Window of Agripreneurship Opportunities and Sustainable Livelihood” held at The Hall, LAUTECH on 5th February, 2025.
Rabbits, by definition, are small mammals in the family of leporidae (which also includes the hares), which is in the order lagomorphs (which also includes pikas). It is noted that they are familiar throughout the world as a small herbivore, a prey animal, a domesticated form of livestock, and a pet, having a widespread effect on ecologies and cultures.
Popularly called Baba Rabbit, Professor Ojebiyi said the utilisation of non-conventional feed ingredients as alternatives to the conventional components should be encouraged.
While lamenting on funding, Ojebiyi recommended that credit-lending organisations, including banks, should provide rabbit farmers with accessible and affordable credit facilities.
He added, “This support will enhance their capacity to manage production and marketing expenses effectively. Rabbit farmers should also receive training from animal science professionals on proper animal handling and general husbandry principles. They should develop a thorough understanding of rabbit breeds, mating ratios, kindling rates, management systems and housing types.”
Ojebiyi, who emphasised backyard rabbit farming, also encouraged students of higher institutions to venture into rabbit farming.
Speaking on health benefits, he said, “The health benefits of rabbit meat, including its low cholesterol content, which supports dietary management for patients suffering from coronary artery disease, hypertension, and other related ailments, should be actively promoted through social media platforms.
“In Nigeria, it is essential to establish a network of stakeholders such as animal science professionals, researchers, NGOs, farmer groups, and governments institutions along the rabbit value chain.
“This network should provide a platform for sharing experiences and strategies to promote the role of backyard rabbit systems in enhancing family nutrition, welfare, gender empowerment, and poverty alleviation.”
The scholar also advised the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development to provide technical information on rabbit farming, including an analysis of the rabbit value chain, through extension services.
He added that the role of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence could not be underestimated.
The reseracher noted that demand for rabbit meat is increasing in recent time, saying “The demand for rabbit meat is growing, driven by increasing consumer interest in sustainable and healthy protein sources. As the saying goes, we are what we eat, and to live healthy, we must embrace rabbit meat as a nutritious option.
“From the lecture, I believe the audience will agree that the rabbit value chain offers significant opportunities for product diversification. Beyond meat production, rabbit offers additional economic benefits, including fur, manure, and others value-added products.
The don outlined some of the reasons why rabbit farming should be prioritised, thus “Rabbits are noiseless creatures and can adapt well to both urban and rural settings. Urban dwellers can take advantage of nocturnal feeding habit of rabbits, and providing only water during the early morning rush and feeding them in the evening or night.
“Worms can be raised in the rabbit manure to produce fishing baits and worm castings. Rabbits don’t require routine vaccinations and medications for the prevention or treatment of specific diseases. Rabbits are ideal for integrated crop -livestock farming systems and have excellent reproductive abilities.”
