Breeding facilities

Farm capacities

Our breeding facilities in Hungary produce at 6 places, approximately 1.8 million rabbits per year, which means approx. 4500 tons of rabbit meat and of course these numbers are continuously growing. We produce this quantity with the work of our 45.000 rabbit does. Our does are kindling approximately 300.000 times per year. The rabbit meat production is based on the European and Swiss breeding rules.

 

Technology and Welfare

We have got highly improved stables, which apply very advanced technology. During construction works of our new stables we use the latest construction and farming technology. We use computers for the climate control systems and our breeding technology built in accordance with the very strict Swiss welfare requirements.

 

Requirements of the Swiss Animal Protection Act

 

Excerpt of the Swiss Animal Protection Act (TschG 2005) :

Enclosure with elevated areas:

  • Based on weight of rabbits, pens must be designed so that – our breeding bucks:
    • <2.3kg must have ≥ 2800cm2 of which floor area is ≥ 2000cm2, height ≥ 40cm;
    • 2.3 – 3.5kg must have ≥ 4000cm2 of which floor area is ≥ 2800cm2, height ≥ 50cm;
    • 3,5 – 5.5kg must have ≥ 6000cm2 of which floor area is 4200 cm2, height ≥ 60cm
  • Group housing of rabbits – our fattening rabbits:
    • Rabbits up to 1.5kg: ≤40 animals must have min. 1000 cm2; ≥ 40 animals must have min. 800 cm2
    • Rabbits over 1.5kg: ≤40 animals must have min. 1500 cm2; ≥ 40 animals must have min. 1200 cm2
  • At least part of enclosure should be high enough for animals to sit upright
  • Darkened area required for animals to hide
  • Does shall be provided with suitable nesting material
  • Rabbits shall be provided daily with coarse structured feed such as hay or straw and constantly with objects for gnawing.

 

Scientific approach

Olivia Ltd. has got a wide range of knowledge in farming and breeding. We conduct many experiments with our professional staff. Our management is composed of diversified professionals from a veterinarian through agricultural engineers to a food engineer. This background fulfils the company’s needs for further growth. Olivia Ltd. has patented breeding technology and we have many-many know-hows, which help us to be outstanding market players. In recent times we have started to fine tune our genetics in our own developed genetics centre.

We have got very good relationship with the University of Kaposvár, which is one of the best universities in Hungary in terms of rabbit sciences. This enormous scientifically specialized background helps us to complete our knowledge and know-how.