Assessment of Rabbit Production and Marketing Systems in Selected Regions in Luzon, Philippines

Authors

• Cristy M. Bueno, Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los BañosFollow
• Maria Cynthia R. Oliveros, Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños
• Dinah Pura T. Depositario, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños
• Kaito O. Furusho, Philippine Genome Center Program for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Publication Date

9-1-2026

Abstract

Rabbit meat is emerging as an alternative protein source in the Philippines. To strengthen this growing industry, this study assessed existing rabbit production and marketing systems in selected regions in Luzon, Philippines, identifying key challenges and areas for improvement. Survey interviews were conducted with 67 raisers from 6 regions (Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions I, II, III, and IV-A, and the National Capital Region) using convenience sampling. A descriptive cross-sectional design with a mixed-method approach was employed, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were mostly smallhold raisers with ≤50 dam level of New Zealand White and California White as the common breeds. Findings revealed that the production system is unstandardized, characterized by overlapping operations between breeders and breeder-meat producers, resulting in high production costs. Marketed products included live rabbits, by-products (manure and pelts), and rabbit meat in raw, processed, and cooked forms. Prices ranged from PH₱120 to ₱180 per kg for live slaughter rabbits and ₱300 to ₱560 per kg for dressed rabbits. Raisers rely on online platforms and local promotional events for marketing, with products sold primarily through niche markets to consumers, online buyers, and institutional clients such as hotels and restaurants. Only 10.45% of respondents had established institutional market linkages. Raiser organizations and communities were found to play an important role in knowledge sharing, production support, and market development. Significant challenges identified include the absence of specialized raising operations, poor quality animals, limited knowledge on breeding and nutrition, limited market, low consumer acceptability of rabbit meat, and lack of raisers’ entrepreneurial skills. This study highlights that rabbit meat production in the Philippines remains in its infancy and lacks an established production and marketing system. To transition towards stronger commercial viability, further collaboration among government, academia, and industry is needed to standardize management practices, improve genetic stock, and enhance market integration.

Recommended Citation

Bueno, Cristy M.; Oliveros, Maria Cynthia R.; Depositario, Dinah Pura T.; and Furusho, Kaito O. (2026) "Assessment of Rabbit Production and Marketing Systems in Selected Regions in Luzon, Philippines," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 109: No. 3, Article 5.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol109/iss3/5