The department of Animal Production of the Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology has introduced the first Rabbit Unit of Southern Rajasthan. This Unit is the second of its kind in Rajasthan.

It was started in April this year with 24 rabbits including 6 males and 18 females. The first litter produced 7 babies.

Basically these rabbits are for reproduction purposes. There are three breeds named Soviet Chinchila, Black Brown and Grey Giant. Their end use is of fur and meat.

These breeds gain weight up to 3-3.5 kilograms to the age of 3 months. At 6 months the rabbits are mature for breeding. The pregnancy period is of 30 days. A female delivers babies 4 to 5 times in a year and each times it gives birth to around 8-12 babies.

According to Dr. Mahesh Mathur, Incharge, Broiler Rabbit Unit, said, “These rabbit breeds are those which adapt b est to the climatic conditions of Rajasthan. They are used mainly for the purpose of their fur and meat. Our aim is to increase the cash inflow for the low income groups and provide livelihood security.”

“Each single rabbit is ready to be sold for Rs. 120/- each and that too, only when it is only 3 months old. We only provide rabbits for breeding purpose; further it depends on the buyers whether they use it for meat, Fur or other purposes”, said Dr.SP Taylor, Head Animal Production, MPUAT

The above mentioned rabbit breeds also have a medicinal value of their own. The meat of rabbit contains low cholesterol, the consumption of which is good for heart patients.