AS people lean more and more toward healthier diets, some are exploring the benefits of starting a plant-based diet. In the meantime, others are searching for healthier meat alternatives, although without adopting a wholly vegetarian habit.
One option is rabbit meat, recognized for being a low-calorie, high-protein alternative, making it a good choice for those looking for a well-balanced diet.
Based on recent studies, integrating rabbit meat into your diet has various advantages. Rabbit meat is high in lean protein and low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier option than typical meats. It provides critical minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which promote good health.
Rabbit meat also has a delicate flavor and sensitive texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations.
Fortunately, people don’t have to look far to acquire rabbit meat because many rabbit farming has since been a growing industry in the Philippines.
Ramel T. Sofranes, 40, is a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for five years, a welder, and now a vlogger, who began rabbit farming in his garage during the pandemic by purchasing a pair of rabbits for breeding, a medium size cage and adequate amount of pellets. Sofranes said rabbits became his family’s meat source during the lockdown when it’s hard to afford meat in the market due to skyrocketing prices.
Sofranes is also a member of the Montalban Rabbit Producer Association (MRPA), an organization composed of rabbit breeders in Rodriguez, Rizal. It aims to provide rabbit meat to some small-scale food businesses in their community and introduce rabbit meat in the local market.
“The benefit of consuming rabbit meat was it’s very healthy to eat, it was high in protein, and there is almost no fat. That’s why I highly suggest every Filipino family try to eat rabbit meat.” Sofranes said.
He started a small-scale business of rabbit meat delicacies since he also learned a lot in cooking when he was working abroad that even some celebrities ordered from him, including Billy Crawford, Bayani Agbayani, Francoise “Laboching” Faisan, and Wacky Kiray.
Although there wasn’t a market for rabbit meat before, Sofranes shared the Department of Agriculture (DA) raised awareness about the livestock produce. Furthermore, market demand for rabbit meat in the Philippines is still developing, and farmers may need to focus on efficiently promoting their goods.
Rabbit farming was an often-overlooked sector but has been progressively recognized as a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture, bringing a variety of advantages to both farmers and the environment.
Despite the challenges, the future of rabbit farming in the Philippines looks promising. Stakeholders predict that demand for rabbit meat will climb gradually as public knowledge of its health advantages develops.
To recognize rabbit farming’s importance, the Philippine government has taken steps to assist and develop this industry.
Training programs, financial aid, and market connections have been placed to encourage farmers to engage in rabbit farming, increasing productivity, strengthening the value chain, and assuring long-term sustainability.
Rabbit farming has various advantages, including efficient feed-to-meat conversion and a lower environmental imprint than major livestock.
It could also contribute to rural development, poverty reduction, and tackling the country’s chronic malnutrition problem.
Moreover, the rabbits’ adaptability, effective use of resources, and potential for fast reproduction make them an appealing alternative for ambitious rabbit breeders wanting to break into the agricultural market.
Collaborative efforts from government agencies, agricultural extension services, and private stakeholders can solve challenges such as limited awareness, lack of technical knowledge, and limited access to quality breeding stock and feed, allowing rabbit farming to thrive and contribute significantly to the Philippine agricultural sector.
Rabbit farming is a viable endeavor, with its nutritional advantages and sustainable agricultural approaches as the main advantage. The practice would thrive in the country through correct care, education, and marketing tactics, giving a sustainable source of income and better food options for Filipinos.
Rabbit meat can boost food production, ecological balance, and economic growth, making rabbit farming a relevant component of the country’s agricultural landscape.