Rabbit farming in Nepal and study of basic rabbit fodder available in different ecological zones for sustainable rabbit farming.

1. Rabbit Farming in Nepal
and the comparative
study of the fodders
available in different
ecological zones of Nepal
Mr.Kusum Raj Tamang
ABSTRACT
Nepal is an agricultural country in which 65% of
the total population is engaged in agriculture. Out
of $67 billion GDP, Agriculture contributes 35%.
Also about 20% of the population lives under the
margin of poverty. As protein deficiency is
common problem in Nepal, and rabbit contains of
about 21.5 % protein, highest among commonly
available meat so rabbit farming has great scope
in Nepal. Also due to its great adaptability to
environment and high maturation and
reproductive rate, so rabbit farming increase the
nation’s economy at micro level.

2. Rabbit Farming in Nepal and the comparative
study of the fodders available in different
ecological zones of Nepal.
Introduction
Nepal is an agricultural country in which 65% of the total
population is engaged in agriculture. But unfortunately only
20% of the land is cultivable. Out of the $67 billion GDP
agriculture sector furnishes 35 %. Rest 20 % is provided by
industry and 45 % by services. Currently Nepal’s economy is
reluctantly dependent upon remittance. Due to overflowing of
Nepali youths on foreign countries most of the land is barren.
About 20% of the population live under the margin of
poverty. Protein deficiency is very common in these people.
As rabbit meat contains 21.5 % of protein, highest of
commonly available meat, so rabbit farming can be a good
alternative for solving this problem. Also most of the land of
Nepal is mountainous, producing no crops or very littlecrops.
So animal husbandry has been the prime source of income in
mountainous belt. As rabbit can survive on wide temperature

3. range from -3 to 20C and relatively poor forages so rabbit
farming can be advantageous in mountainous belt . Rabbit
farming, also called micro livestock requires relatively less
space and care as compared to other livestock. But it has high
rate of conversion of protein into meat as compared to other
livestock. So it is very useful for farmers holding less land.
Nepal imports goods of $ 7.2 billion and exports only $ 1.2
billion. The prime exported good are leather goods and
carpets. Rabbit produces excellent wool and its skin can be
refined into expensive leather. Although rabbit farming has
great scope in Nepal but due to unmanaged market, farmers
are still hesitated to work on it. So sustainable market
should be assured by the Nepal government in order to
uplift this sector.
The availability of various nutrients n rabbit meat are as
follows.
Nutrient Concentration of nutrient
Crude protein 18.5%
Fat 7.4 %
Water 71%
Ash 0.64 %
Unsaturated fatty acid 63%
Cholesterol 1362
1642,3
Source: United State Department of Agriculture(USDA)

4. Ecology of Nepal
Situated in South Asia and surrounded by the Tibetan
Autonomous Region of China in the north and by India in the
south, east and west, the Kingdom of Nepal covers an area of
147,181 sq. km (between 80° 4’ and 88° 12’ East and 26° 22’
and 30° 27’ North). The length of the Kingdom is 885
kilometers east to west, and varies between 145 to 241
kilometers north to south.
It represents a transitional zone of two bio-geographical realms:
the Paleartic and the Indo-Himalayan. It is also at the crossroads
of the Southeast Asian, Northeast Asian (Chinese) and
Mediterranean tracts. Nepal can be divided broadly into three
ecological zones: the lowland (Terai), the mid-hills and the high
mountains.
The altitude of the Himalayan region ranges between 4,877 m.
to 8,848 m. It includes eight of the highest 14 summits in the
world, which exceed an altitude of 8,000 meters including the
world highest mountain Sagarmatha (Mount Everest).
The mountain region accounts for about 64% of total land area,
which is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up from
4,877 m. and the lower Churia range. The lowland Terai
occupies about 17% of the total land area of the country.
Similarly, the climatic condition ranges from the sweltering heat
of the Terai in the lowland to the freezing cold in the Himalayan
highland. As a result of extreme variations in altitude and
climate, the flora and fauna of Nepal demonstrates a wide range

5. of diversity.
Competing for space within 1,000-km. east west and 200 km.
north south, this small rectangle of topographical and
hydrological extremes host over 6,500 flowering plant, 181
mammal, 862 bird and 640 butterfly species. It is also home to
more than 23 million people. Although Nepal occupies only
0.09% of the total land surface of the earth, it has nearly 5% of
mammalian species of the world total.

6. Model project Report for 100+20 rabbit
a. Breeds available for meat New Zealand white ,
Chinchilla , California
and Dutch
b. Breeding age of animals 3 months
c. No of animals per unit 100+20
d. Breeding and rearing cycle.
1.Ratio of males to females 1:5
2.Gestatation period 21 days
3.Kindling percentage 80%
4.No. of bunnies 6 average
5.No. of kindling in year 6
6.Female doe bred again 1 month after kindling
7.Days of weaning 1 month
8.Mortality in bunnies 30%
9.Mortality in adults 5-10%
10. Average adult body weight (3
month)
3-3.5 kg
11.Average live weight of bunnies
at 1 month
1 kg
12.cage size 1.5 sq ft -4*2*2 sq ft
13.Digestible carbohydrate (NFE,
%)
40-45%
14.Fiber requirement 14-20%
15.Digestible protein 9%
16.Size of nest box 0.5ft*1.3ft

7. Note: These data are based on the record obtained from Narke Rabbit Farm. However, the
record is confirmed through the comparative analysis between record and standard data
available through various sources.

8. Economic Analysis for (100+20) Rabbits
Capital Expenditure
S.N Particulars Rate Cost
a. Shed 2,00,000
b. Cages
1.Breeding cage
2.Growing cage
3.Male cage
Rs. 60,000
Rs. 3,000
Rs.2,300
8x60,000=4,80,000
100x3,000=3,00,000
20x2,300=46,000
c. Water bottle Rs. 250 (120+200)x250=80,000
d. Rabbit breeds
1.Male
2.Female
Rs. 1,500
Rs.1,500
20x1,500=30,000
1,500x100=150,000
e. Rabbit accessories
1.Rabbit bag
2.Rabbit first aid
kit box
3.Daily use articles
Rs.1000
Rs.5000
5,000
Rs.5000
Rs 3,500
f. Nest box Rs.300 100x300=30,000
Total Capital Expenditure = Rs 13,29,500

9. Recurring expenditure for producing 600 rabbits
S.N Particulars Cost(1st
month) 2nd
month 3rd
month Total cost
1 Feed 4x600 10x600 12x600 15600x30w
2 Hay and
forages
3x600 11x600 13x600 15408
3. Labor Rs.20000 Rs20000 Rs.20000 60000
4. Electricity Rs.200 Rs.200 Rs.200 600
5. Micro
nutrients
Rs.450x5 Rs.450x10 Rs.450x15 13,500
Total recurring expenditure=1,05,108
Income
Total meat production= 600x3=1800kg
Rate/kg =Rs. 300
Total income=1800x300=5,40,000

10. Findings
An evaluation was made on the nutritive value of tropical
forages and by product feds for rabbit production.
Digestibility of nutrient fractions, fed preferences, growth,
combination of forages, supplementation of micro and
macronutrients .Four groups of forages, namely woody
legumes (WL), non-woody legumes(NWL), agricultural by-
products(AGBP) and grasses, and by-product feds such as
rice bran and wheat bran were studied. Animals used were
cross bred pure California , pure American Chinchilla and
pure New Zealand White rabbits. The roles of fiber on the
bioavailability of nutrients and their relationships to the
inherent characteristics of tropical plants were also studied.
Composition, palatability and digestibility of nutrients of the
forages were dependent on the species of plants, but were
generally highest in the WL and poorest in grasses. Feeding
leucaena and sesbania (WL group) produced the highest
bodyweight gain (BWG) and
Efficiency of fed utilization(FCR) among the forage species.
The combination of leucaena with papaya leaves or elephant
grass improved BWG by 43 and 58 % and FCR by 7 and 17
%, respectively. The rate of depression of forage quality was
dependent on the
Drying temperature and the forage species.

11. Caliandra and leucaena, which have the highest tannin
contents, underwent the most severe reduction in their
nutrient digestibility.
Inclusion of rice bran up to 60 % in the diet produced
comparable growth performance with the control diet.
Supplementation of micro and macro nutrients to the rice
bran in the forage-feeding system improved growth
significantly.
The rate of depression of nutrient digestibility by the
indigestible ADF content differed between nutrients or
between forage species.Poorest nutrient digestion of grasses
is associated with their high content of indigestible fiber,
which is related to the properties of plants with the C-4
photosynthetic pathways. The reproductive and growth
performance of rabbits feda16% crude protein (CP) alfalfa-
wheat bran diet were comparable to those
receiving 21 % CP containing soybean meal. In conclusion,
this study indicates that a simple diet of forages and grain-
milling by-products, with no cereal grain and protein
supplements, can be converted into high quality meat
through rabbit production.

12. Leucaena Leucocephala
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperm
Family: Fabaceae
Sub –family: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Mimoseae
Genus: leucaena
Species: L. Leucephala
Common name: Epil Epil

13. Leucaena is a legume fodder crop that grows in tropical and
subtropical environments. Leucaena provides high quality
feed for ruminant animals that boosts live weight gain both
per animal and per hectare, compared to grass-only pastures
Climate
Leucaena performs best in tropical climates (hot, wet
summers and mild winters) and effectively stops growing
when the average day temperature falls below
15o
C.Preferably, annual average rainfall needs to be above
600 mm. Leucaena is frost sensitive, however will re-grow
from stored soil moisture in spring.
Paddockselection
Leucaena will grow in a wide range of soils but is most
productive in fertile (high phosphorus and alkaline pH),
deep (>1 m), well-drained soils (intolerant to waterlogging).
Being a tropical plant, leucaena is susceptible to frost and is
therefore more productive in frost-free areas. Light frost
will cause leaf fall while heavy frost can kill all above-ground
plant material, requiring regrowth from the crown.

14. Paddock preparation
Seedbed preparation, stored soil moisture and weed control
are the keys to successful leucaena establishment.
When cultivating, prepare the paddock as for any crop -
cultivate to control weeds and prepare a seedbed, or use
herbicides to control weeds.
If preparing strips in an existing grass pasture, strips need to
be at least 4-5 m wide.
Fallow to store a minimum of 60 cm of soil moisture. More is
better. This may take 6-12 months depending on rainfall.
In weedy paddocks, ensure sufficient preparation time to
reduce the weed seed bank and use a residual herbicide once
sown.
Planting and establishment
Planting time
Plant when soil temperatures are above 18°C, and with at
least 60 cm of soil moisture.
Follow-up rainfall will greatly assist establishment. Avoid
planting times when there is a high risk of hot, dry
conditions during establishment (e.g. during spring).
Planting rate and depth
Aim to sow 2 kg/ha of high germination 'soft' seed. Seed
should be spaced about 5 cm apart in the row.

15. Ensure the seed is mechanically scarified and inoculated
with correct rhizobium (Leucaena/desmanthus strain).
Plant the seed into wet soil sufficiently deep to stay wet for a
week, but no deeper than 5 cm. Run press wheels to the side
of the seed, not over the top.
Row spacing and plant population
Row spacings from 5-12 m are used commercially..
If rows are too narrow, grass persistence will be poor
(shading) and grass production low (competition).
If rows are too wide, vigorous grasses compete for soil
moisture and nitrogen benefits are diluted. This will result in
insufficient leucaena at high grazing demand periods.
Aim to establish 5-10 plants per metre of row.
Cultivar selection
Four commercial cultivars are available, all of which are
susceptible to psyllid attack:
Peru is shrubby with good basal branching.
Cunningham generally produces more dry matter and edible
material than Peru and is a prolific seeder.
Tarramba is taller, more tree-like, produces less seed and
has greater early seeding and cold vigour. It is susceptible to
psyllid attack but grows sooner after psyllid damage.

16. Wondergraze is the latest release which has similar early
seedling vigour and psyllid tolerance but is bushier than
Tarramba.
A new psyllid resistant variety is soon to be released. It will
be highly suited to coastal districts where psyllids can
significantly reduce forage production.
Weed and insect control
Weed control in the establishment phase is critical for
success - leucaena is a very poor competitor when young.
Use a residual herbicide (e.g. Spinnaker®) at planting over
the rows to control broadleaf and grass weeds.
Alternatively, inter-row cultivate to control weeds,
particularly if legume weeds (e.g. sesbania) are a problem.
It is essential to control soil insects during establishment.
For optimal production, cattle need to have access to plenty
of grass for roughage and energy. Leucaena provides highly
digestible protein.
Nutrition requirements
Leucaena performs best in fertile soils with:
phosphorus above 20 mg/kg
sulfur above 5 mg/kg
good levels of calcium and trace elements, particularly zinc
and potassium.

17. No nitrogen fertiliser will be required if the plant has
adequate soil nutrients and is effectively inoculated.
For optimal production, cattle need to have access to plenty
of grass for roughage and energy.
Management
Grazing management
Leucaena contains a toxin called mimosine that can cause
weight and hair loss of cattle.
Leucaena is tolerant of periodic heavy grazing; however,
resting is critical for long-term productivity.
Healthy leucaena/grass pastures are highly suited to
rotational grazing systems. Continuously grazing leucaena
does not maximize productivity and may lead to height
control issues.
Height management
Leucaena is a tree and, under light grazing pressure, will
grow beyond the reach of cattle. Ensure periodic intense
grazing pressure to pull down the tall runners and keep
leucaena as a leafy branched shrub. This minimises the need
for chopping and reduces flower production and seed set.

18. Leucaena and the environment
Ground cover
Good management of nitrogen-producing leucaena enables a
productive and vigorous grass that provides high ground
cover year-round, maximising water capture and reducing
run-off and erosion.
Soil fertility
Effectively nodulated leucaena will produce sufficient
nitrogen for its own needs. However, incorporating a
vigorous companion grass maximises pasture production
and improves soil fertility and organic matter production.
This will improve soil health and structure.
Water balance
Leucaena is a deep-rooted perennial plant that has a high
water requirement (roots have been found to a depth of 5
m). This high water use can create massive cracking in some
soils, assisting infiltration during heavy storms.
Deep roots enable leucaena to remain productive and
provide quality feed during periods of dry weather when
shallow-rooted grasses have stopped growing.
Manage leucaena so cattle have access to all available feed.
Weed potential and the code of practice

19. Leucaena is a highly productive plant but can constitute a
weed if seeds spread and germinate away from grazing
animals.
Leucaena can produce large amounts of dormant seeds that
will germinate over a number of years.
Unwanted plants can be easily controlled using a woody
weed herbicide such as Access®.

20. Sesbania Grandifolia
Common Name : Agati
Scientific Name : Sesbania Grandifolia
Family : Fabaceae

21. Geographical distribution
Agati is native to tropical Asia and is widespread in India,
Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines where it is found
in tropical dry and moist forest from sea level to 800 m.
It is commonly found in disturbed and agricultural
environments including along roadsides, on dikes between
rice paddies, and in backyard vegetable gardens. It has been
introduced and has become established in cultivation in
Southern Florida, Hawaii, Jamaica, Mauritius, Central
America, and South America. Agati is frost-sensitive and
requires annual precipitation between 4.8-22.5 dm and
annual temperatures of 24.3- 26.7°C.
Propagation
Agati can be grown from seed or from cuttings for
cultivation. It typically produces a soft wood, however, the
density of the wood increases with age and the timber from
5-8-year-old trees is used in house construction or as craft
wood.

22. Alfalfa
Common Name : Alfalfa
Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
Family : Fabaceae
Introduction
Medicago sativa also called Lucerne or queen of fodder crop, is a perennial
flowering plant in the pea family fabaceae cultivated as an important crop in
many countries around the world. It is used for grazing hay and silage as well
as a green manure and cover crop. The name alfalfa is used in North
America. It is high protein containing and high digestible fiber containing
leguminous forage. It is most widely used fiber source in rabbit diet. It is also
used as the major food crops for milching animal. Alfalfa can be harvested 3-4
times in a year. The yield of alfalfa is generally 8 tons/ha.
Distribution: It is generally grown in warmer temperate
climate. But it can be cultivated in a wide range of climate
and wide range of soil. It is a good drought resistant plant
and good sunshine is always beneficial for its growth.
PH
: 6.8 -7.5
Depth of sowing: 0.5 inch
Seed requirement: 0.25 pound of seeds per 25 sq. feet
Row to row space: 6-12 inch
Note:

23. Plants after reaching 6-12 inch thinning out should be done
in order to prevent over crowding.
Bermuda grass
Scientific name: Cyanodon dactylon
Family: Poaceae
Common name: Dubo, Bermuda grass.
Introduction
Bermuda grass also called dubo in Nepali is one of the prime
rabbit diet. It contains higher amount of crude fiber. It is
usually available in open ground where there is the
availability of water. They are high drought tolerant grass.
However mild irrigation is required for their propagation.
Propagation of Bermuda grass.
Selection of paddock
The land of pH
ranges 5-7 are selected. The land should have
well drainage facility. Water logged condition are harmful
for their propagation. Water logged condition would result
in anaerobic respiration which would result in the root rot of

24. the grass. They can grow in the wide temperature range,
ranging from hot tropical to temperate.
Preparation of paddock.
Primary tillage is performed 2-3 month prior to
propagation. The soil is exposed to the sun. The radiation
from the sun would kill any harmful micro organism present
in the soil. Secondary tillage is performed 2 weeks prior to
propagation. Then the land is irrigated and after few days
weeding is done. After whole operation is performed then
seeding is done.
Propagation.
Propagation of Bermuda grass can be done by various
method. Generally seeding is not performed. As the seeds
are very minute, they are blown by the wind. The best
method of propagation is by dibbling. In this method the
underground roots are sown. This method has high rate of
propagation. This method is also comparatively cheap.
After sowing the land should be propagated frequently.