ECONOMICS OF RABBIT PRODUCTION IN SOUTH - WESTERN NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study was designed to understand the socio-economic circumstances of rabbit fanners, determine the profitability (or otherwise) of rabbit production, in Ondo State of Nigeria. A sample of fifty rabbit fanners was randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaire. The primary data, selected were subjected to descriptive statistics like frequency counts, percentages and gross margin analysis. Majority (82%) of the respondents fell within the age bracket of 35-50 years. Sixty as percent of respondents had 11-30 rabbits while seventy-four percent claimed to engage in rabbit production for both commercial and subsistence reasons. From the study, the average gross margin per rabbit varied from Nll.25 to W27.30 while the returns to owner’s capital varied between 17.84 Xt, and 43.36 %., across the local government areas. Three major constraints limiting rabbit production in the study area include, 3ow capital investment, perception of rabbit, as pets rather 'than dietary protein SOU~GF, and market resistance arising from there. There is the need for aggressive campaign by government agencies to promote the production and consumption of rabbits.