Gauteng Smallholder February 2017 | Page 17

From page 13

With correct training , backup advice , proper housing and installation , a small rabbitry for an underprivileged family could mean the end of malnutrition and food uncertainty , without breaking the bank . According to East Rand producer Toni

Casamassa , an easily established small family rabbitry , manageable year round by one person , could produce 180 kg of rabbit meat annually , along with two tons of manure . Rabbits are strictly herbivorous and will thrive on a diet of roughage ( fodder ) and vegetable greens ( although commercial , pelleted rabbit feeds are also available ). Rabbits have the ability to convert what is considered low grade feed ( dry grass , leaves , twigs , bark , vegetable waste , grains , etc ), into meat . Thus , says Casamassa , a family with a little garden space , as little as 40m x 40m , could grow not only much of its own vegetables , but also the greater part of its rabbitry ' s diet . With the two tons of manure produced annually and judicious management , this

could be a very productive vegetable patch , as rabbit manure has the highest content of the common three plant nutrients , ( N , P and K ) of any animal manure ( see table ). Rabbit manure doesn ' t need to be composted , and can be used direct . But Casamassa adds that there are further advantages to domestic rabbit production . ❑ Because the meat is produced in-house there is no transport cost involved in its distribution or consumption . No food miles .

❑ Fresh meat is available all the time . ❑ A rabbitry run on hay and vegetables as feed is organic , and good for the soil . ❑ It is easily run . One person or the family can get involved ; ❑ Any excess production can be sold to neighbours at way under market prices , for both meat and vegetables , thereby benefiting the whole community . For more information email therabbitlady383 @ gmail . - com

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