Discovering Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) Farming in Partido, Camarines Sur, Philippines: Raisers’ Perspectives

Abstract

Rabbit farming is a growing sector of the livestock industry in the Philippines and is believed to be profitable when managed properly because of its potential as a healthy meat source and a source of income. This paper establishes benchmark data on rabbit farming in Partido, Camarines Sur, Philippines to aid in the decision-making process of Local Government Units, agricultural extension workers, researchers, associations of rabbit breeders and raisers, and entrepreneurs, for relevant interventions. It focuses on the profile of rabbits raised in the area, sources of rabbit stocks, the costs associated with the purchase and disposal of stocks, perceptions of raisers towards meat, and the challenges in raising and processing meat from rabbits. The collaboration with Local Government Units and the snowball method helped to identify rabbit raisers as key sources of information. Several breeds were identified, and descriptively defined, and sources inside and outside of the district were tracked down. Meat breeds including New Zealand, Californian, Chinchilla, Hyla Optima, Palomino, and Flemish Giant are among these breeds. English Spot, Holland Lop, Lion Lop, Fuzzy Lop, and Lionhead were frequently raised as pets. The preference for the breed is mainly based on raiser-perceived breeds’ meat quality and market potential. As a promising sector, issues in producing rabbits and processing their meat necessitate focus and interventions.