Analyse de la conduite d’élevage cunicole à Ternier, deuxième section communale de la commune de La Vallée de Jacmel : impact sur le bien-être animal et la productivité.

Abstract

In Haiti, in the commune of La Vallée de Jacmel, specifically in Ternier (the second communal section), rabbit breeders face major constraints that hinder the development of production. These difficulties have economic, social, and environmental impacts. Given the current situation, questions arise about rabbit-farming practices, since ignorance or poor application of related techniques can impede production. Thus, conducting a study on the management of rabbit farming in Ternier is an essential step to provide recommendations aimed at ensuring animal welfare while optimizing productivity.
To carry out this study, two (2) data collection methods (formal survey and non-participant observation) and two (2) tools (questionnaire and observation grid) were used. In total, ninety-five (95) out of one hundred twenty-seven (127) farmers were surveyed, representing approximately 76% of the sample. The sample was proportionally distributed across the 18 localities forming the survey base to ensure equitable representation.
A hypothesis was stated to verify whether the practices and techniques of rabbit farming in Ternier do not comply with the principles of animal welfare and whether they contribute to low productivity. Consequently, the analysis of the results reveals that 84.52% of breeders use inappropriate wire hutches, and cage dimensions are inadequate for 54.41% of breeders. The feeding relies solely on forage without supplements or consideration of the animal's physiological stage. 61.46% of breeders never give water to the rabbits. Mating between related rabbits is practiced by 65.46% of breeders, and only 19.34% adhere to the recommended number of litters per year, taking breeding conditions into account. On the sanitary front, only 12.28% clean the cages daily, while 65.84% report foul odors and 56.76% strong infestations of parasites or flies. 71.98% of breeders only call a veterinarian in case of illness, with no preventive measures. Mange and myxomatosis are the two diseases most commonly cited by the majority of breeders. Moreover, based on these results, the hypothesis is confirmed and recommendations are proposed.