Enterprising medical doctor makes a killing through rabbit farming
Faith Tevera
BULAWAYO – A medical doctor’s decision to swim against the tide and venture into rabbit farming in order to supplement his earnings is paying dividends.
As the Zimbabwean economy continues to plunge unabated, life is becoming increasingly difficult for citizens and professionals have not been spared by the effects of the comatose economy.
In a bid to cushion themselves from the economic turmoil, many have taken up informal trade to supplement their jobs while even more people solely depend on it for sustenance.
Poultry breeding is popular among residents in Bulawayo but the enterprising Dr Kindman Ndlovu chose to go unconventional by venturing into rabbit rearing. He told Community Podium that he saw massive potential in rabbit farming and chose to go with the unfashionable venture.
The ultra Sound Scan doctor, who works for farming and he took the rabbit project as his own baby and hit the ground running.
Doctor Kindman Ndlovu of Kindfort Ultra Sound Scan Surgery took the plunge into rabbit farming in the first quarter of the year 2021 and has seen it bear immense fruits. Dr Ndlovu said he ventured into rabbit farming because of his great affinity for nurturing animals.
Dr Ndlovu explained that for a rabbit to be considered ready for slaughter, it should weigh roughly 2 kilograms and this takes a period of three to four months to happen.
According to Ndlovu, a lot of planning, time, discipline and dedication must goes into rabbit rearing for optimum results. He said he was inspired by what he read online where somebody said, “You are not too busy, you are disorganised.”
“In addition to meticulously managing a busy schedule, one should also use self-cleaning cages, feeders that do not waste food and water containers that can sustain water for a long period.” he added.
As a byproduct of his rabbit farming, Ndlovu produces rabbit pies. His new product has found a niche market in people who host small functions and small events as they use the delicacy as a snack.
“The rabbit pie is a unique product in the market and has therefore added value to the project,” he said.
Ndlovu highlighted that rabbits that even though rabbits breed throughout the year (and they can breed several times), the rabbits struggle to breed in summer as they fail to control their body temperature. He said winter is the ideal season for rabbit breeding.
At the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Dr Ndlovu won the overall best prize for breeding rabbit exhibit.
Ndlovu’s dream for the future is to set up an eatery that will serve rabbit meat as the main dish.
“God willing, I wish to one day operate an eatery that will be known for serving rabbit meat,” he said.
