Choosing the right rabbit breed is one of the most important decisions a farmer can make when starting or expanding a rabbit farming business.
The success of the enterprise, whether it’s meat production, breeding, or even pet sales, largely depends on selecting the breed that matches your purpose, environment, and management capacity.
Naswirah Nalukwago, a commercial rabbit farmer, says she learned this through experience.
“When I started, I bought any rabbits I could find at low prices. But many didn’t grow well or reproduce as expected. I later learned that different breeds have different growth rates, maturity periods, and feed needs,” she recalls.
Nalukwago now keeps New Zealand Whites, known for their fast growth and large body size, which makes them ideal for meat production.
“They reach market weight quickly, which means faster turnover and better profits,” she says.
She also keeps a few Californian rabbits for crossbreeding, which improves disease resistance and meat quality.
Jacob Lwele, another rabbit farmer from Luweero, emphasises the need to understand the purpose before choosing a breed.
“Are you farming for meat, for breeding, or even for pets? This question should guide your choice,” he says.
For example, while Flemish Giants are impressive in size and attract attention, they eat more and may not be cost-effective unless you’re in a market that values their size.
Breed choice also affects management practices. Some breeds are more sensitive to heat or disease. Others are more aggressive and may not do well in a community setup.
According to both farmers, understanding the breed helps in planning feeding, housing, and marketing.
“When you know your breed, you avoid costly mistakes,” Nalukwago adds.
