Kundapur: Animal Husbandry - Shabbir Shows Way to Youngsters Through Rabbit Farming

Report and pics: Vinaya Pais
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Oct 16:  Shabbir Sahib, an enterprising young man from the town, is a household name in this part of the coastal district of Udupi. His rabbit farming, being carried out since the past one and a half years at Mukkodu of Neralakatte near here, has drawn widespread appreciation. Shabbir has been a source of attraction and inspiration for the people in general and the youngsters in particular, in the region, has shown them a way of earning a supplementary source of income.

There are about three kinds of species of rabbits, like Russian Grazeyant, Australian White and Soviet Chanchala, Shabbir says. They breed once in two months, and at a time, each gives birth to not less than 12 kits. As of now, there are more than 400 rabbits being bred in his farm, specifically for meat alone. But, many of the visitors to the farm prefer to buy them as domestic pets. These rabbits are being exported to countries like Europe and Russia. Kerala is the exporting state for these animals.

The quatum of meat produced from rabbits is nearly 75% of their weight, as their bone weight is only 25%. They are herbivorous in nature, and hence feed on grass, green vegetables, ragi, jowar, ground nuts, carrots and the like. Each rabbit on an average, weighs between 3 to 4 kgs. What is essentially required is meticulous care and attention for their healthy growth, Shabbir reveals.

Shabbir Sahib has been professionally trained in this job under the department of animal husbandry at Bannerghatta near Bangalore.