Rabbit farming, a growing sector in Rodriguez, Rizal gained popularity as a viable and sustainable agricultural practice. With multiple benefits for consumers and health-conscious individuals, rabbit farming presents a promising opportunity for those seeking a profitable and eco-friendly venture.
Ramel T. Sofranes, 40, is a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for five years, a welder, and now a vlogger, who began rabbit farming in his garage during the pandemic by purchasing a pair of rabbits for breeding, a medium size cage and adequate amount of pellets. Sofranes said rabbits became his family’s meat source during the lockdown when it’s hard to afford meat in the market due to skyrocketing prices.
Sofranes is also a member of the Montalban Rabbit Producer Association (MRPA), an organization composed of rabbit breeders in Rodriguez, Rizal. It aims to provide rabbit meat to some small-scale food businesses in their community and introduce rabbit meat in the local market.
In the Philippines, there was a wide variety of rabbit breeds appropriate for farming. New Zealand White, Californian, Chinchilla, and Flemish Giants are the most prevalent. These varieties have been carefully chosen for their climatic adaptability, disease tolerance, and high reproduction rates, making them excellent for commercial and home-based farming.
Rabbit meat is recognized for being a low-calorie, high-protein alternative, making it a good choice for those looking for a well-balanced diet.
Based on recent studies, integrating rabbit meat into your diet has various advantages. Rabbit meat is high in lean protein and low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier option than typical meats. It provides critical minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which promote good health.
Additionally, rabbit meat has a delicate flavor and sensitive texture, making it an adaptable component for a wide range of culinary creations.
“The benefit of consuming rabbit meat was it’s very healthy to eat, it was high in protein, and there is almost no fat. That’s why I highly suggest for every Filipino family try to eat rabbit meat.” Sofranes said.
Sofranes also added that rabbit meat is white meat, which means that you can cook and make dishes from it similar to chicken, pork, or beef meat.
There was no market for rabbit meat before, according to Sofranes, but with the help of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the local market learned of the livestock produce. Furthermore, market demand for rabbit meat in the Philippines is still developing, and farmers may need to put time and effort into efficiently promoting their goods.
Sofranes also said that he actually started a small-scale business of rabbit meat delicacies since he also learned a lot in cooking when he was working abroad that even some celebrities ordered from him, including Billy Crawford, Bayani Agbayani, Francoise “Laboching” Faisan, and Wacky Kiray. He also said that even crews from a program on a popular television ordered from him.
Sofranes added that during the pandemic, he successfully profited from rabbit babies and even from their feeds. He also said that typically, a rabbit can already be a breeder within five to six months old after you raised it. Once the female rabbit is pregnant, it will birth 12-18 rabbit babies within 30 days.
Because of the high reproduction rate, a rabbit farm may rapidly expand, resulting in enhanced revenue potential. Furthermore, due to their tiny size and propensity to survive in small settings, rabbit cages are an excellent choice for urban or backyard gardening.
Sofranes also said, “Once the female rabbit gives birth, the babies need to be fed with mother rabbit’s milk within 30 days before you can separate them.”
Furthermore, rabbit farming has a lower environmental imprint than typical livestock farming since rabbits require less area, water, and feed. Their excellent feed conversion rate makes them a sustainable alternative, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving natural resources.
“I usually feed my rabbits with grass and pellets. Take note that you need to prepare lots of water for them to drink because rabbits consume a lot of water,” Sofranes added.
Sofranes also said that currently, he bought the land where he planned to expand his rabbit farming and will also make an integrated type of farming in the future while still focusing on livestock.
Despite the challenges, the future of rabbit farming in the Philippines looks promising. Demand for rabbit meat is predicted to climb gradually as public knowledge of its health advantages develops.
Moreover, the rabbits’ adaptability, effective use of resources, and potential for fast reproduction make them an appealing alternative for ambitious rabbit breeders wanting to break into the agricultural market.
Rabbit farming is a viable endeavor due to the vast range of rabbit breeds available, along with its nutritional advantages and sustainable agricultural approaches. Rabbit farming would thrive through correct care, education, and marketing tactics, giving a sustainable source of income and better food options for Filipinos.