Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Domesticated rabbits raised for meat (and to a lesser extent fibre/fur), valued as a low-space, fast-reproducing livestock option well suited to peri-urban and small-plot farming.
Species
Leporid
Family
Leporidae
Climate requirements
Tolerates a wide range of climates provided housing protects against heat stress and direct sun; performs best with good ventilation and shade in Kenya's warmer lowland areas.
Husbandry guide
House in raised, wire-floored hutches (to keep animals dry and reduce parasite/disease exposure) at roughly 1 doe + litter or 2-3 growers per hutch compartment, with continuous access to pelleted feed/forage and clean water. Breed does every 6-8 weeks once mature, and vaccinate/treat for common issues (coccidiosis, mange) as part of routine hutch hygiene.
Economic importance
A fast-turnover, low-land, low-capital meat enterprise attractive to peri-urban and youth farmers, with does capable of producing several litters a year, though the local market remains smaller and less developed than for poultry or dairy.
Breeds
New Zealand White
The most common commercial meat-rabbit breed in Kenya, pure white with red eyes, fast-growing and docile, well suited to hutch systems.
Reaches market weight (1.8-2.5kg) in about 10-12 weeks; does can produce 4-6 litters per year of 6-8 kits each under good management.
Angora
Primary uses: Meat. FAO DAD-IS conservation risk status (Kenya): Unknown.
California White
Primary uses: Meat. FAO DAD-IS conservation risk status (Kenya): Unknown.
Flemish giant
Primary uses: Meat. FAO DAD-IS conservation risk status (Kenya): Unknown.
Kenyan White
Primary uses: Meat. FAO DAD-IS conservation risk status (Kenya): Unknown.