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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