Context and Background
This practical short course introduces participants to the fundamentals of broiler rabbit production, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to establish and manage a profitable rabbit enterprise. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on practical sessions, participants will learn industry best practices in housing, breeding, nutrition, health management, record keeping, and meat processing. The course also highlights the important role rabbit production can play in strengthening food and protein security throughout the Caribbean.
Learning Outcomes for the Workshop
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of broiler rabbit production in the humid tropics.
- Describe the role of rabbit farming in contributing to a profitable and sustainable meat industry.
- Identify rabbit breeds suitable for commercial meat production.
- Demonstrate proper restraint, handling, sexing, and breeding management techniques.
- Design and construct suitable rabbit housing systems.
- Implement effective feeding and nutrition programmes to maximize productivity.
- Maintain production records and use them to support farm management decisions.
- Recognize common rabbit diseases and implement appropriate prevention and treatment measures.
- Perform slaughtering and meat processing procedures in accordance with industry best practices
Key Takeaways
By the end of this course, participants will have the practical knowledge and confidence to successfully establish or improve a broiler rabbit production enterprise. They will understand the complete production cycle, from selecting breeding stock and constructing housing to feeding, health management, record keeping, and meat processing, while applying industry best practices to improve productivity, profitability, and food security in the Caribbean.
Key Topics
- Introduction to Broiler Rabbit Production
- Overview of the Rabbit Meat Industry
- Housing Requirements and Environmental Management
- Reproduction and Genetics of Broiler Rabbits
- Rabbit Handling and Sex Determination
- Nutritional Requirements and Feeding Management
- Common Diseases and Health Management
- Farm Record Keeping
- Slaughtering and Processing of Rabbits for Meat Production
- Practical Rabbitry Operations and Cage Construction
The Facilitator
Dr. Sivakumar Karuppusamy is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Improvement and Production Management at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. He holds a Ph.D. in Livestock Production Management and has over two decades of experience researching tropical rabbit production, including breed performance, nutrition, and housing systems. A widely published expert, he has authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications on rabbit production and currently leads UWI-funded research on alternative rabbit feeds. Dr. Karuppusamy has extensive experience delivering hands-on agricultural training and specialized short courses for regional farming communities.
Certificate Awarded
Participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Pricing Information
Workshop Fee: TT$2,000
Online payment option (bank charges of 2.5% applies).
When and Where:
The workshop will be hosted by the Business Development Unit of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies. It will utilize interactive pedagogy strategies to promote an engaging learning experience. You will be able to join this workshop in person at the Faculty of Food and Agriculture to participate in discussions, interactive presentations, group exercises, resource videos, and valuable articles and case examples where applicable.
The workshop will follow the schedule below:
- Dates: September 12,13, 19, 20 & 26, 2026
- Times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (EC/AST)
- In Person Lecture.
Don’t hesitate to contact the CPE Team at sta-cpe@uwi.edu, or visit sta.uwi.edu/cpe for registration details or complete the registration form using the following link: https://uwi.jotform.com/261305603848861