Opportunities for rabbit research and human development in the Western Hemisphere: a rabbit revolution?

Abstract

Throughout the Western Hemisphere, opportunities exist to develop viable rabbit research programs that meet the unique needs of small-scale, limited-resource farmers. In this paper, basic problems of small-scale farmers are first briefly described, and, secondly, pre seflt examples are provided of alternative and innovative research programs that directly address these special needs. Rabbit scientists are further encouraged to elevate the stature of the rabbit as a significant "niche" livestock species to benefit humanity through the expansion of sustainable, small-scale rabbit farming and (or) development projects.