A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF RABBIT FARMING AND ITS SCOPE IN
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN
SARZAMIN KHAN*, KAMRAN KHAN, SHAHID ULLAH SHAH and NASEER AHMAD
Faculty of Animal Husbandry and veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar - Pakistan
*Corresponding address:dr.zaminaup@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The aim of this research was to document the status of rabbit farming in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan,
with reference to breeds, production practices and its acceptability as meat animal. For data collection the Province
was divided into three ecological regions; southern, central and northern. Data were collected through
questionnaires using method of stratified random sampling. The sample respondents were interviewed through
predesigned questionnaires in the local languages to get most reliable information. A total 600 questionnaires were
used to collect the data from the three different regions (200 each). The data revealed that based on color, six types
of rabbits, namely, black & white, white, white bay, black, brown and bay were found in the Province. In southern
region highest prevalence was recorded for black & white (36.66%), while in central region the highest prevalence
was reported for white (39%). In northern region the highest prevalence of 35% was recorded for black & white.
Mean live weight for the different rabbit types ranged from 1.40±0.01 to 1.66±0.02 Kg in different regions of the
province. The highest 1.66±0.02, 1.60±0.02 and 1.56±0.02 Kg mean live weight was recorded for brown, black &
white and black rabbits, respectively. Highest litter size was reported for white, 5.26±0.15; followed by white bay,
5.18±0.19; and black and white, 5.17±0.19 on overall basis. For annual kindling highest value was reported for
black & white, 6.72±0.33; for brown 6.93±0.31; and brown was 6.99±0.43 in southern, central and northern region,
respectively. Survival rate was higher in adult stage (83.48±0.65%), followed by post weaning (74.99±0.60%) and
pre weaning stages (62.39±0.67%). Three types of housing systems were existed, namely, Pakka (concrete; 25%),
Kacha (mud; 37%) and rabbit made tunnels without shelter (38%). Rabbits were mostly raised for meat (33.12%),
livelihood (33.71%) and as a pet animal (33.18%). Rabbits were generally accepted for meat purposes (40.10%),
however, traditional (8.39%) and religious (0.76%) myths about rabbit meat were also found in some community of
the Province. Present study concluded that scope of rabbit as meat animal exists in the province and improvement in
rabbit management could efficiently improve its production and utilization.
Keywords: Indigenous rabbit, farming system, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Citation: Khan. S., K. Khan., S. U. Shah and N. Ahmad. 2014. A preliminary assessment of rabbit farming and its
scope in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Sarhad J. Agric. 30(3): 369-373
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan is an agriculture country and livestock is one of the dominant sectors contributed 55.9% to agriculture
value added and 11.8% to the national GDP during 2013-14. Gross value addition of livestock has increased from
Rs. 756.3 billion (2012-13) to Rs. 776.5 billion (2013-14) showing an increase of 2.7% (Economic survey of
Pakistan, 2013-14).
Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is an emerging viable livestock species, well adapted to backyard rearing
system and do not require much capital (Handa et al., 1995). Rabbits are small mammal belong to family Leporidae
and order Legomarpha. They are herbivores and graze on grass, forbs, and leafy weeds. They are hindgut digesters
and their caecum is bigger (10 times) than their stomach. They are plantigrade, when are at rest and digitigrades,
when run on their toes. They are distinguished from rodent by incisor teeth, situated one behind the other (Marai et
al., 2001). Rabbits have a number of characteristics that might be advantageous to small holder subsistence type
integrated farming system. The small body size, short generation interval, rapid growth rate, genetic diversity, short
gestation length, high prolificacy and ability to rebreed shortly after parturition are characteristics, which make
rabbit’s suitable candidate for meat production in developing countries (Arijeniwa et al., 2000).
Traditionally, this animal has not been included to the food of the community; however, in rural areas some people
keep rabbit for meat and other purposes. So for, there is no commercial production of rabbits in Pakistan. However,
the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province are familiar with the wild rabbits found in vast rangelands. Regular
hunting for meat is practiced in winter season. To the author’s knowledge, no proper work has been done on the
production status of rabbits in the Province. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to document
Sarzamin Khan, et al. A preliminary assessment of rabbit farming and its scope in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa…
370
the status of rabbit farming, genetic diversity, rabbit production practices and its acceptability as meat animal in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A database was created through a pre-designed questionnaire to document the genetic diversity and husbandry
practices of rabbits in Khyber Pakthunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The Province is situated between 31015’ and 360
57’ North latitude and 690 5’ and 740 7’ East longitude. Livestock is considered as source of income for the small
and landless poor and a source of employment generation at the rural level.
Study Location
The study was conducted in 2013-14 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which was divided into the following
three ecological zones,
1.
2.
3.
Southern arid region (Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Kohat)
Central plain region ( Peshawar and Mardan)
Northern hilly region (Malakand and Hazara)
Sampling Tools
The data was collected through a questionnaire by interviewing local farmers. The farmers were selected using the
method of stratified random sampling. The sample respondents were interviewed according to the pre-designed
questionnaire in the local languages, to get most reliable information. A total of 600 farmers (200 from each region)
were interviewed to generate a large database. The questionnaire contains information on litter size, annual kindling,
adult animal weight, types of housing, breed-type, feeding management and marketing. Moreover, the questionnaire
also contains information on public acceptability and trend of the society towards rabbit meat. Live weight (n = 10)
of the animal was recorded with the help of digital scale in each questionnaire. For litter size, the number of kids that
the doe (n =10) kindles at the time of birth were recorded. The pre-weaning period was from 0 to 30 days; postweaning period was from day 30 to 60 days; and adult period was above day 60.
Statistical Analysis
The database was generated in Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics method of Statistical Package for Social
Science (SPSS; version 13.0) was used to compute the mean values and distribution of the various parameters.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Rabbit Types
Based on color, the rabbit were classified into six-types, namely, black & white, white, white bay, black, gray and
bay. In southern region of the Province, highest prevalence for black & white was 36.66, white 18.66, black 16.66,
and brown was 12.66%. In central region, highest prevalence for white was 39, black & white 25, and black were
20%. In northern region, highest prevalence for black & white was 35, brown 22, and white was 21%.
Table 1. Distribution (%) of rabbit types in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa
Regions
Southern
Kohat
DI khan
Bannu
Average (%)
Central
Mardan
Peshawar
Average (%)
Northern
Average (%)
Malakand
Hazara
Black &
White
34.00
36.00
40.00
36.66
24.00
26.00
25.00
42.00
28.00
35.00
White
Black
Brown
White Bay
Bay
22.00
16.00
18.00
18.66
42.00
36.00
39.00
24.00
18.00
21.00
20.00
18.00
18.00
16.66
18.00
22.00
20.00
08.00
16.00
12.00
12.00
14.00
12.00
12.66
10.00
14.00
12.00
18.00
26.00
22.00
08.00
10.00
08.00
08.66
02.00
02.00
02.00
04.00
06.00
05.00
04.00
06.00
04.00
4.66
04.00
00.00
02.00
04.00
06.00
05.00
Live Weight
The mean live weight across the breed-types ranged from 1.40±0.01 to 1.66±0.02 Kg (Table 2). The mean live
weight for black & white was 1.60±0.02, white 1.46±0.01, black 1.56±0.02, brown 1.66±0.02, white bay
Sarhad J. Agric. Vol.30, No.3, 2014
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1.40±0.01 and Bay was 1.41±0.01 Kg. The average live weight recorded for different types of rabbits in present
study was lower than the values (2.4 to 2.8 Kg) reported by Iyeghe-Erakpotobor et al. (2006). Discrepancy in live
weight may be related to the inherent difference in rabbit types used in the two studies, as well as to the difference in
feeding and husbandry practices.
Table 2.
Average live weight (Kg) of rabbit types in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa
Regions
Kohat
DI khan
Bannu
Mardan
Peshawar
Malakand
Hazara
Southern
Central
Northern
Over all mean
Black &
White
1.45±0.01
1.53±0.02
1.67±0.04
1.70±0.03
1.65±0.01
1.58±0.02
1.62±0.02
1.60±0.02
White
Black
Brown
White Bay
Bay
1.23±0.01
1.35±0.01
1.48±0.02
1.52±0.03
1.58±0.01
1.48±0.02
1.57±0.02
1.46±0.01
1.43±0.02
1.57±0.01
1.52±0.01
1.57±0.02
1.62±0.02
1.67±0.01
1.57±0.03
1.56±0.02
1.72±0.02
1.63±0.01
1.68±0.02
1.56±0.03
1.63±0.04
1.73±0.02
1.65±0.03
1.66±0.02
1.34±0.01
1.45±0.03
1.48±0.03
1.39±0.01
1.36±0.02
1.40±0.03
1.42±0.02
1.40±0.01
1.35±0.01
1.42±0.02
1.47±0.02
1.36±0.01
1.40±0.03
1.37±0.02
1.48±0.03
1.41±0.01
Litter Size and Annual Kindling
At birth, the average litter size in southern region for black & white was 5.12±0.12, white 5.79±0.13, black
5.26±0.23, brown 5.03±0.13, white bay 4.83±0.22 and Bay was 4.81±0.21. In central region, litter size for black &
white was 5.34±0.13, white 4.78±0.12, black 5.18±0.23, brown 4.83±0.23, white bay 5.40±0.13 and Bay was
5.23±0.21. In northern region average litter size for black & white was 5.04±0.31, white 5.20±0.21, black
4.72±0.23, brown 5.24±0.23, white bay 5.31±0.23 and bay was 5.37±0.12. Similarly, Das and Yadav, (2007) also
reported average liter size of 6.08 in rabbits at birth.
Table 3.
Litter size (Mean ± SE) of different rabbit types in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Regions
Southern
Kohat
DI khan
Bannu
Mean
Central
Mardan
Peshawar
Mean
Northern
Malakand
Hazara
Mean
Overall mean
Black &
White
5.34±0.12
5.26±0.13
4.77±0.21
5.12±0.12
5.32±0.21
5.37±0.13
5.34±0.13
4.76±0.31
5.33±0.23
5.04±0.31
5.17±0.19
White
Black
Brown
White Bay
Bay
5.22±0.21
4.78±0.12
4.37±0.21
5.79±0.13
4.52±0.12
5.04±0.21
4.78±0.12
5.26±0.13
5.14±0.31
5.20±0.21
5.26±0.15
5.12±0.13
5.34±0.12
5.31±0.21
5.26±0.23
5.13±0.31
5.24±0.23
5.18±0.23
4.76±0.31
4.68±0.23
4.72±0.23
5.05±0.23
5.11±0.13
5.34±0.21
4.64±0.12
5.03±0.13
4.36±0.31
5.30±0.13
4.83±0.23
5.13±0.12
5.34±23
5.24±0.23
5.03±0.20
4.26±0.12
5.21±0.32
5.02±0.13
4.83±0.22
5.34±0.13
5.45±0.21
5.40±0.13
5.36±0.22
5.25±0.31
5.31±0.23
5.18±0.19
4.54±0.21
5.22±0.22
4.67±0.31
4.81±0.21
5.41±0.21
5.05±0.22
5.23±0.21
5.62±0.12
5.12±0.13
5.37±0.12
5.14±0.18
Mean annual kindling in southern region for black & white was 6.72±0.33, white 6.48±0.23, black 6.56±0.33,
brown 6.00±0.41, white bay 6.01±0.23 and bay was 6.09±0.34. In central region mean annual kindling for black &
white was 6.71±0.32, white 6.30±0.43, black 6.90±0.46, brown 6.93±0.31, white bay 6.79±0.31 and bay was
6.66±0.45. In northern region annual kindling for black & white was 6.89±0.33, white 6.45±0.32, black 6.37±0.42,
brown 6.99±0.43, white bay 6.78±0.33 and bay was 6.73±0.42.
Table 4. Annual kindling (Mean ± SE) of different types in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Regions
Southern
Kohat
DI khan
Bannu
Mean
Central
Mardan
Peshawar
Mean
Northern
Mean
Malakand
Hazara
Black &
White
6.80±0.41
7.12±0.24
6.24±0.31
6.72±0.33
6.52±0.41
6.90±0.35
6.71±0.32
7.23±0.23
6.55±0.43
6.89±0.33
White
Black
Brown
White Bay
Bay
6.48±0.13
6.24±0.23
6.72±0.32
6.48±0.23
6.36±0.45
6.24±0.41
6.30±0.43
6.53±0.47
6.37±0.36
6.45±0.32
6.26±0.41
6.32±0.33
7.10±0.42
6.56±0.33
7.02±0.52
6.78±0.48
6.90±0.46
6.45±0.53
6.28±0.47
6.37±0.42
6.52±0.35
5.46±0.41
6.02±0.52
6.00±0.41
6.74±0.45
7.12±0.46
6.93±0.31
6.80±0.45
7.17±0.63
6.99±0.43
5.75±0.53
6.04±0.43
6.23±0.52
6.01±0.23
7.02±0.54
6.56±0.51
6.79±0.31
6.76±0.52
6.80±0.34
6.78±0.33
6.02±0.42
5.83±0.52
6.42±0.43
6.09±0.34
6.56±0.46
6.76±0.65
6.66±0.45
6.72±0.53
6.73±0.56
6.73±0.42
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372
Rabbit Survival Rate
In southern region pre weaning, post weaning and adult survival rate was 65.58±0.65, 76.78±0.63 and 85.80±0.67%,
respectively. In central region pre weaning, post weaning and adult survival rate was 61.51±0.64, 75.59±0.54 and
81.90±0.65%, respectively. While, in northern region pre weaning, post weaning and adult survival rate was
60.09±0.72, 72.60±0.62 and 82.75±0.64%, respectively. Mirabito et al. (2000) recorded 96% kits survival rate in the
three (New Zealand White, Rex and Flemish Giant) rabbit breeds. The highest survival rate as reported in the
literature may be associated with differences in breed and management practices.
Table 5.
Percent survival rate (Mean ± SE) in different age groups of rabbit in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Regions
Pre-weaning
67.34±0.61
63.72±0.63
65.67±0.70
65.58±0.65
60.56±0.72
62.45±0.61
61.51±0.64
62.65±0.74
57.52±0.65
60.09±0.72
62.39±0.67
Kohat
DI khan
Bannu
Southern
Mean
Mardan
Peshawar
Central
Mean
Malakand
Hazara
Northern
Mean
Overall mean
Survival Rate
Post weaning
78.34±0.57
75.32±0.70
76.67±0.67
76.78±0.63
76.62±0.63
74.56±0.56
75.59±0.54
73.57±0.71
71.62±0.56
72.60±0.62
74.99±0.60
Adult
85.86±0.67
87.82±0.58
83.72±0.73
85.80±0.67
83.76±0.71
80.04±0.64
81.90±0.65
83.82±0.75
81.67±0.61
82.75±0.64
83.48±0.65
Rabbit Housing and Feeding
Housing is essential for rabbit to protect them against unfavorable conditions and optimize productivity. The
existing housing pattern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported in present study was not according to scientific lines.
Three types of housing systems, namely, “Pakka”, “Kacha” and “rabbit made tunnels” were found for rabbit rearing
in the Province. In “Pakka” housing system the rabbits were reared in tunnels guarded by a concrete shelter. In
“Kacha” housing system the rabbits were reared in tunnels guarded by a mud shelter. While, “the rabbit made
tunnels” had no shelter over the isolated tunnels. The rabbit housing was 25% “Pakka”, 37% “Kacha” while 38%
rabbit made tunnels without shelter in all the three regions.
Table 6.
Purpose of rabbit farming; acceptability and myths about rabbit meat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Purpose (%)
Regions
Southern
Kohat
DI khan
Bannu
Mean
Central
Mardan
Peshawar
Mean
Northern
Malakand
Hazara
Mean
Overall mean
Meat
Livelihood
47.53
53.54
62.72
54.60
24.56
21.74
23.15
19.67
23.56
21.62
33.12
28.45
28.62
23.73
26.93
35.73
41.56
38.65
42.88
28.19
35.54
33.71
As Pet
animal
24.02
17.84
13.55
18.47
39.71
36.7
38.21
37.45
48.25
42.85
33.18
Myths (%)
Acceptance as
meat (%)
Traditional
Religious
46.34
54.67
62.56
54.52
34.34
28.45
31.40
35.45
33.33
34.39
40.10
4.56
2.48
3.02
03.35
7.35
5.45
06.40
16.54
14.32
15.43
8.39
2.45
1.64
2.78
2.29
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.76
Green grosses, vegetable and kitchen waste were the main feed ingredients in all the three regions. However, the
rabbits were not fed according to their nutritional requirements. The unbalanced ration is one of the limiting factors
for the rabbit production in the Province. Cheeke, 1986 reported that in developing countries unconventional
housing system and poor quality of grasses are the two major constraints in the rabbit production. In the present
study low productivity of various rabbit types may be attributed to poor genetic makeup, husbandry and feeding.
Purpose of Rabbit Farming
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, rabbits were raised for various purposes including meat, livelihood and as a pet
animal. In southern region 54.60% rabbits were raised for meat, 26.93% for livelihood and 18.47% as pet animal. In
central region 23.15% rabbits were raised for meat, 38.65% for livelihood and 38.21% as pet animal. In northern
Sarhad J. Agric. Vol.30, No.3, 2014
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region 21.62% rabbits were raised for meat, 35.54% for livelihood and 42.85% as pet animal. Similarly, Dairo, 2012
conducted a survey for social acceptability of rabbit meat in Nigeria, and reported that 66.7% of rabbits were raised
for pet and livelihood, 29.6% for meat and 3.70% for family assistance.
Acceptability and Myths about Rabbit Meat
Data on acceptability of rabbit meat in different regions is presented in Table 6. Acceptability of rabbit meat was
54.52, 34.39 and 31.40% in southern, northern and central regions, respectively. Traditional and religious myths
also existed in the Province. Traditional myths about rabbit meat were 15.43, 6.40 and 3.35% in northern, central
and southern regions, respectively. While, 2.29% religious myths about rabbit meat was recorded in southern region.
Rabbit Marketing
Proper marketing system for rabbit was not found in the province. Local poultry shops and livestock markets are
mostly used to sale and purchase rabbits. Rabbits were sold on live weight basis irrespective of rabbit type. Males
are mostly used for meat purpose.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Six types of indigenous rabbits existed in the province. Live weight for different rabbit types ranged from 1.40 to
1.66 Kg. Rabbits were kept for different purposes including meat, livelihood and as a pet animals. Current rabbit
housing system and feeding pattern was not according to scientific lines. A large scope for improvement in rabbit
production and its use as meat animal exists in the province and are recommended to be explored through the
provision of scientific housing, management and feeding.
Acknowledgment
The Agriculture Linkages Program of Pakistan Agriculture Research council is acknowledged for financial support
in this study. Mr. Ezat Khan Driver is acknowledged for his cooperation in field trips. Dr.Nazir Khan Assistant
Professor in Animal Nutrition is acknowledged for his support in statistical analysis.
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