Rabbit farmers on Rutegama hill in Gitega commune and province are reporting outbreaks of diseases of unknown origin affecting their livestock. Lamentations from some rabbit farmers on Rutegama hill, Gitega commune and province, denounce the appearance of diseases of unknown origin among their animals. Donatien Manirambona, a local farmer, cited financial constraints in constructing appropriate rabbit hutches. Donatien Manirambona noted difficulties in constructing suitable rabbit hutches (clapiers) due to insufficient funds. Hubert Muhoza, another farmer, noted the shortage of specialized veterinary technicians in Gitega province, forcing reliance on private practitioners.
Muhoza noted that many rabbit breeders do not realize rabbits require water, often feeding them granular cakes and wet grasses. He emphasized the fragility of rabbits, advising farmers to space out cages and ensure clean, well-ventilated environments to prevent illnesses and improve animal welfare. "In Gitega province, many areas lack competent veterinary technicians. As a remedy, we turn to private individuals," Muhoza stated. Hubert Muhoza further points out the shortage of specialized veterinary technicians in Gitega province, requiring reliance on private practitioners for animal health issues.
Farmers Detail Widespread Challenges
Laetitia Harushimana attributes many rabbit deaths to inadequate feeding, particularly among young rabbits, and a lack of training concerning their diet and breeding practices. Laetitia Harushimana states that many rabbit deaths are due to inadequate feeding, especially among young rabbits, and a lack of training on their diet and breeding. Hubert Muhoza, head of livestock and fisheries at the DPEAE in Gitega, also identifies poor hygiene and insufficient feeding as primary causes of rabbit diseases. Suavis Ihorihoze notes that a lack of guidance in rabbit farming leads some farmers to provide wet grass, which results in numerous deaths. Suavis Ihorihoze specifically notes that a lack of training and guidance in rabbit farming leads some farmers to feed rabbits with wet grass, causing many deaths. Muhoza further explains that feeding rabbits with wet grass can cause constipation, bloating, and hemorrhagic diarrhea.
Many rabbit breeders are unaware that rabbits require water, according to Muhoza. He stated, "Many rabbit breeders do not know that rabbits drink water. They give granular cakes, wet grasses of all kinds to these rabbits." Muhoza noted the fragility of rabbits, advising farmers to space out cages and ensure clean, well-ventilated environments. "Rabbits are very fragile animals. We call on rabbit breeders to space out the cages and offer these animals a clean, well-ventilated environment to prevent diseases and improve their well-being," he said.
Muhoza added that Gitega province faces a shortage of competent veterinary technicians in many areas. He noted, "In Gitega province, many areas lack competent veterinary technicians. As a remedy, we turn to private individuals."
Expert Advice on Rabbit Husbandry
A well-ventilated rabbit cage is essential for animal welfare and a healthy environment, according to Hubert Muhoza. Hubert Muhoza states that a rabbit cage must be well-ventilated for animal welfare and a healthy environment. Constructing a standard rabbit hutch can cost approximately 1 million BIF. The construction of a standard rabbit hutch can cost around 1 million BIF. Eric Vyumvuhore, providing specific guidance, explained that a rabbit cage should measure 90 cm by 60 cm. Eric Vyumvuhore explains that a rabbit cage should measure 90 cm by 60 cm. Vyumvuhore also emphasized the importance of separating male and female rabbits to prevent inbreeding and improve overall growth and management. Eric Vyumvuhore emphasizes separating male and female rabbits to prevent inbreeding and improve growth and management.
Young rabbits, referred to as lapereaux, should begin eating at 14 days old. Eric Vyumvuhore states that young rabbits (lapereaux) should start eating at 14 days old and require granular feed rich in vitamins and minerals, not wet grass or cabbage. Vyumvuhore stated that many breeders incorrectly feed them wet grass or cabbage, but at this stage, "lapereaux should consume granular feed rich in vitamins, mineral salts, and other essential nutrients." He further advised that a female rabbit that has just given birth should be placed in a ground-floor cage for easier monitoring. Eric Vyumvuhore recommends placing a female rabbit that has just given birth in a ground-floor cage for easier monitoring. "We cannot install a female who has just given birth in a cage on the top floor because her monitoring will be difficult," Vyumvuhore said.
Vyumvuhore noted that young rabbits remain in their birth cage for two months. After this period, "we separate the males from the females," he explained. Young rabbits (lapereaux) stay in their birth cage for two months before males and females are separated.
Individual Success Stories Emerge
Despite widespread challenges, some farmers have found success in rabbit farming, often starting with minimal capital. Some farmers started rabbit farming with a small capital, sometimes buying just one rabbit. Jérémie Hakizimana began rabbit farming last year with a single rabbit, which subsequently produced seven kits. Jérémie Hakizimana started rabbit farming last year with one rabbit, which produced 7 kits, and now has about thirty rabbits. He now manages approximately thirty rabbits and used his earnings to purchase a goat. Jérémie Hakizimana used his earnings from rabbit farming to buy a goat.
Cynthia Manirankunda started rabbit farming at the age of nine. Cynthia Manirankunda started rabbit farming at age nine. She recounted her journey, stating, "Now I am 19 years old. At the time, I had bought a single rabbit for only 2,000 BIF. Afterwards, thanks to this farming, I bought a hen, then a goat. Later, I was able to buy a plot of land worth 1 million BIF." Cynthia Manirankunda bought her first rabbit for 2,000 BIF. Cynthia Manirankunda used her rabbit farming earnings to buy a hen, then a goat, and later a plot of land worth 1 million BIF. Eric Vyumvuhore, 37, has accumulated 16 years of experience in rabbit farming on Rutegama hill. Eric Vyumvuhore, 37, has 16 years of experience in rabbit farming on Rutegama hill.
Call for Official Support and Training
Laetitia Harushimana has urged relevant authorities to deploy specialized veterinary technicians to local hills and zones to assist rabbit farmers with disease prevention and treatment. Laetitia Harushimana requests concerned authorities to deploy specialized veterinary technicians to hills and zones to support rabbit farmers in disease prevention and treatment. Hubert Muhoza, an official, advises farmers to consult the nearest veterinary technician if their rabbits fall ill. Hubert Muhoza advises farmers to consult the nearest veterinary technician in case of illness. Muhoza noted that many rabbit breeders are unaware that rabbits require water, stating, "Many rabbit breeders do not know that rabbits drink water. They give granular cakes, wet grasses of all kinds to these rabbits." He also noted the lack of competent veterinary technicians in many areas of Gitega province. "In Gitega province, many areas lack competent veterinary technicians. As a remedy, we turn to private individuals," Muhoza explained. He emphasized the fragility of rabbits, adding, "Rabbits are very fragile animals. We call on rabbit breeders to space out the cages and offer these animals a clean, well-ventilated environment to prevent diseases and improve their well-being."