HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1998-03-18, Page 391,
Farm Progress '98 Page 23
It may be oddball, but rabbit farming is lucrative
by Pat Livingston
Some people may call it "oddball",
but rabbit farming has become a
lucrative agri-business for Brian and
Brenda Wcllstead, former hog farmers.
The Wellsteads, who own 134 acres in
East Wawanosh Township, decided eight
years ago, when hog farming was not too
profitable, to change direction. The direc-
tion they went was to rabbit farming,
raising them for meat; and renting out
their land..
Those early day during the transition
period, the Wellsteads had 25 does
(females), using the upstairs of their barn.
Today their breeding stock consists of
350 does with the goal being 400. Forty
bucks handle the breeding. Now their
whole barn is used for the rabbit produc-
tion. _ ._
The Wellsteads are continually learn-
ing methods of bettering their production.
Short,
sweet
and
cheap
Sugar sours the world
of potato chips where con-
sumers prefer light
golden chips. But until
recently, testing for a high
sugar (glucose) content,
the hidden dark force in
stored potatoes. had
been a long. expensive
process. Now, producers
can avoid dark -brown
crispers thanks to a test
similar to the one used by
doctors to test blood glu-
cose levels. Scientists at
Agriculture and Agri -Food
Canada's Potato Research
Centre in Fredericton,
New Brunswick, have
developed a 'sugarmeter'
able to assess a sample
in less than two minutes
and for about a -dollar -per -
test.
Reconditioning pota-
toes in warmer storage
effectively reduces
unacceptable sugar levels.
Contact: George Tai,
Fredericton Research
Centre, Agriculture and
Agri -Food Canada.
Fredericton. NB (506)
452-3260
It's kind of a trial and error system,
because there really isn't much informa-
tion out there regarding this type of farm-
ing.
Their herd
consists of New
Zealand White
and Californian
breeds — the best
for meat produc-
ing rabbits. A
crossbreed of the
two gives the best
of both worlds,
says Brian.
The does are
bred one week,
then rebred again
a week later to
ensure they are
impregnated.
Brian explained
that you can't do a preg-check on the
does until two weeks after the first breed-
ing. The double breeding ensures there is
no interruption to
the production
cycle.
Rabbits prolif-
erate quickly.
Thirty-one days
after being bred,
the doe kindles
(gives birth).
Two weeks later
she is rebred and
then after anoth-
er two weeks, the
litter is weaned.
Two weeks after
that, the doe kin-
dles — and thus
the cycle goes
on.
Brian and Brenda Wellstead
The Wellsteads' production figures
currently stands at 8.7 horn per litter,
with 6.2 per litter shipped. "Our produc-
tion rates are increasing all the time," said
Brian.
While it does vary, a doe is usually
good for producing for about two years.
They cull out the best from their fryers as
replacement stock. The does can be bred
at 18 weeks of age.
They aim for shipping at 10 weeks of
age. However, with their biweekly ship-
ping schedule they average about II
weeks, when the fryers are about 5 lbs.,
the optimum weight, where the best price
is obtained for a fryer. Currently that
price sits at $I/Ib. live weight. The differ-
ence in price is considerably lower when
the live weight goes higher. A 5 Ib. rab-
bit will dress out about 3 1/2 lbs.
*see 'Ship' page 24
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1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE
Only 11000 km. Fuly loaded
incl. rear captains chairs,
showroom condition.
6)14 $22 995.
1996 TOYOTA COROLLA LE
Fully loaded, 1.8L, Auto. O/D,
p. group, only 33000 km.
514,995.
1993 BUICK CENTURY LTD. 1992 BUICK LASABRE LTD
Loaded, 1 owner, local car like Loaded, 1 owner, fantastic
new, 80 km. buy, 146 km.
511,995. 0.6dy $9,995.
AL
,T
1992 FORD AEROSTAR XL 1993 FOUR RUNNER
7 pass., V6, auto, 0/D, AM/FM 4 cyl., 5 spd., running boards,
cass., air, finished in green fully loaded, p. group, air.
56, 995. =16,995.
1990 CHEV SCOTTSDALE PICKUP 1990 TOYOTA CAISRY LE 1991 TOYOTA PREVIA LE VAN
1/2 ton, 305, auto. O/D, air, V6 (Anniversary Model) Loaded, 1 owner, sold &
cruise, excellent condition, Fully loaded, incl. power serviced from new. Only
110000 km. moon roof, ABS, 2 tone paint. 94,000 km.
Saie Pte" $8,995. se -10.-4% 995.. `:11,995.
1992 OLDS 88 LS
Loaded, highway miles,
immaculate cond.
INCREDIBLE BUY
Sat Pate S6
,495.
1993 CHEV S-10 TAHOE
V-6, 5 spd., topper, rally
wheels, running boards, bed
mat, chrome pkg., cass., etc.
Sada Pace S8
,995.
1995 HONDA ACCORD EXR
V6, immaculate! Fully loaded,
including ABS, p.w. moon roof
.5.4Pi‘e"19,495.
1995 TOYOTA AVALON XLS
Every possible option except
leather. 1 owner. Sold & serviced
by us from new. You must see.
1994 TOYOTA COROLLA DX
5 spd., air, tilt, cass., split fold
down rear seat. 1 owner.
Finished in beige.
S44525 995. � 511 995.
1994 MERCURY SABLE LS
Superb condition, loaded, no
charge 6 mth/10000 km.
power train warranty.
S416 Paeg 510,295.
RGkfra
1991 MAZDA 626
Auto., air, AM/FM cass.,
finished in white, nice car
Sale 56,995.
1994 TOYOTA TERCEL LS
Auto., low mileage, cass.,
clock, value pkg.,
only 50000 km.
544 X510,495.
EXETER TOYOTA
242 Main St. N., EXETER
235-2353 or 1-800-361-0677
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