Could rabbits save us foreign exchange?

 Rabbit has grown in popularity in various parts of the world where is it welcomed for a variety of reasons. There are so many who find rabbits appealing, some want trinkets [see https://everythingbunnyrabbit.com/]. However, it must be noted with keen interest that for many, rabbit meat is considered a food source. If you need to learn about rearing rabbits there is information that you can consider below: 

Rabbit Consumption

So how popular is rabbit meat? It is heavily consumed in countries like Italy, Spain, France, and China; people in these destinations consume approximately 8kg per person of rabbit meat. 

Among the reasons given is that meat is cheap, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Rabbit is entirely white meat. There are some 89 countries that import rabbit meat and this is their consumption levels that seem quite high, along with the reasons. [https://www.nationmaster.com/nmx/ranking/import-of-rabbit-or-hare-meat-and-offal]

Rabbit Breeds in Barbados

Within Barbados, there are breeds of rabbits that are desired by those who live in the island for a variety of reasons. There are as follows:

• New Zealand White
• New Zealand Red
• The Californian
• The English
• The Flemish Giant
• and The Chinchilla

In terms of meat production, the popularity stays with The Flemish Giant and The New Zealand Red. 

Interested in Cuniculture

Cuniculture is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits as livestock for their meat. Rabbits may be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety where you can further get advice on care and maintenance. This information was made available in GIS Barbados which cited Cathy Lashley, October 19, 2021.  

Now that you know that you have access to a readily available resource. It appears to be a low entry point into the market and the product is in high enough demand. Why are we not capitalizing on this opportunity to boost our exports and make the linkages to tourism where we market to some of the same countries that readily include rabbits in their diets? It's an alternative which can be included in our menus, which brings me to the culinary elements. [See https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/recipes/recipe-collections/rabbit-recipes-15016] 

With the amount of existing and emerging food service entities, why are we not using our culinary creativity? We have award-winning chefs, foodies and some great creative minds within the field of agriculture. We have a hospitality institute and a number of culinary schools; why isn't our creativity shining? 

I hope that you explore the links within this article for thought joggers as to how you can differentiate yourselves within the market. Are there other elements to consider? Yes there are, but we can discuss those when you book an appointment with us. Thanks so much for allowing me to share with you. Have a phenomenal day. Visit us at bladesandbladesconsultancy.com 

Rabbit - clippings from across the globe

 

As I continue to examine alternate foods and their sources. I will look today at rabbits as a food source. However, the approach will be different since I will take clippings from articles I will look up and present them here so that you can form your own opinion based on what others around the world have observed. 

So today, I looked up rabbits in restaurants; here's what I found. 

What is rabbit called in a restaurant?

Senior Member. There was a word for rabbit meat which I think would be understandable today: "coney". In the same way that beef, pork, and venison all are from the French, so was coney.

Boston, USA has managed to incorporate rabbits into the menus. We found an article that shows seven (7) restaurants that serve rabbits on their menus. 

But why eat rabbits? In searching Google, this information which spoke to the nutritional content of rabbits came up. 

Is rabbit meat good eating?

They have a light impact on the earth, and they're healthy, all-white meat.” Rich in highly-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and minerals like calcium and potassium, rabbit meat is also lean and low in cholesterol. Of course, its lack of fat means you need to take caution when you prepare it.

My curiosity went further, yes I live in a tourist destination, and here's what I found:

What country eats rabbit meat?

Rabbit meat is popular in countries such as Italy, Spain, France and China. These countries consume the most rabbit – about 8kg per person – and are the best export markets for rabbit meat.

When wondering why rabbits are cultivated as a food source. This came up:

Why is rabbit meat not popular?

Rabbits have never had a purpose as farm animals, meaning they did not have the same opportunity to become a popular meat in American households. Since rabbits never became a popular meat in the agricultural industry, a stigma was attached to the meat itself.

Additionally, when asking; Is rabbit a cheap meat?

Rabbit meat is expensive because fryers are not able to be effectively fed in large groups, require a more expensive feed ration than most other livestock and processing costs are higher per pound of meat sold.

So what would justify countries in the Caribbean adding rabbits to their menus? The answer may prove that we need to think more high-end even though rabbit was initially a poor man's food. The benefits outweigh the costs. 

In 2019, it was published that: 

First off, it's healthy: Compared to beef, pork, lamb, turkey, veal and chicken, rabbit has the highest percentage of protein, the lowest percentage of fat and the fewest calories per pound. Unlike other meats, it contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Additionally, just this year 2022 it was concluded by another researcher:

It also takes a fair amount of time, effort and expertise to raise rabbits for food, which makes it more expensive than other meats. They are not bred & raised in factory farming conditions, so there is higher marginal cost per pound.

It was found that, Rabbit meat has a great taste and is highly nutritious. Although any type of meat lover will love to have a bite, it is best suited for people who want a more robust tasting and healthier meal than chicken. Rabbit meat has numerous health benefits.

What does the future of food look like for people who are lovers of meat and need to have protein requirements met? Here are the top 8 meats globally. 

When looking at food supply and food security, it's going to be increasingly necessary to examine the sources of food and its origins. 

Will you join the ranks of those eating rabbit meat? I have had some before and it's pleasant to the tastebuds when prepared well. I hope that this article enables you to find out how you can save economically. Enjoy your meals and make new dishes.