Comparative Analysis of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Production Systems: Husbandry Practices and Challenges

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of grasscutter and rabbit keeping, highlighting unique and shared practices across housing, feeding, breeding, health management, and operational constraints. Three analytical tables were developed to compare their maintenance requirements, production challenges, and similarities in husbandry practices. Findings indicate that grasscutters require more robust housing, have slower reproduction cycles, and are more difficult to handle than rabbits, whereas rabbits exhibit higher susceptibility to diseases but possess faster growth and breeding rates. Shared attributes include similar feeding categories, micro-livestock suitability, and the potential to contribute significantly to smallholder incomes. The study recommends strengthening breeding systems, feed management, farmer training, and disease surveillance frameworks. This analysis is intended to guide producers, extension practitioners, and livestock researchers in optimizing species selection and improving smallholder micro-livestock production efficiency. The paper therefore contributes to livestock science by providing clear comparative evidence to inform decision-making, enterprise planning, and sustainable micro-livestock management strategies.