Characterization of rabbits production systems in Egypt

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

2 Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) production systems during two periods of the year: almost hot weather (from April to September 2021) and almost cold weather (from October 2021 to March 2022). A survey was conducted in two governorates, El-Minya and Al-Qalubia, through semi-structured interviews with a questionnaire. Three types of production systems were identified: family (66%), semi-commercial (22%), and commercial (12%). The commercial rabbit production system had the highest significant average number (153.13) compared to the semi-commercial system (18.90) and family system (2.29). Although the average doe number was slightly higher in the almost cold period (63.64) than in the almost hot period (52.77), no significant differences were observed. The majority of householders in the family system (52.38%) and semi-commercial system (80.95%) housed their rabbits in rooms inside their homes, while 86.96% of householders in the commercial system used separate rabbit houses for their rabbits. Most farmers (87.30%) reared their rabbits on the floor under a family system. Battery cages was the most predominant form of rearing being 83.33% and 95.65% for the semi-commercial and commercial system; respectively. In conclusion, rabbit production is typically a family system with a tendency to become semi-commercial. Rabbit housing systems vary according to the available resources and the applied production system. Different rearing systems and seasonal variations can affect the rabbit flock structure.

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