forming european hare

8/10/2019 Forming European Hare

1/44

Farming

EuropeanBrown Hare

A report for the Rural Industr ies Researchand Development Corporation

by Lynelle Tume,Lepus (Southern Cross) and Associates

July 2000

RIRDC Publication No. 00/75RIRDC Project No LSC1A


2/44

ii

2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.All rights reserved.

ISBN 0 642 58105 3ISSN 1440-6845

Farming European Brown Hare

Publication No. 00/75Project No. LSC 1A

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the authorand not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any waywhatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research,providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerningreproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Researcher Contact DetailsScott Montgomery

Kimbe Cottage, Grabben GullenNSW 2583

Phone: (02) 4836 7240Fax: (02) 4836 7230

RIRDC Contact DetailsRural Industries Research and Development CorporationLevel 1, AMA House42 Macquarie StreetBARTON ACT 2600

PO Box 4776KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4539Fax: 02 6272 5877Email: [email protected]: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in July 2000Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint


3/44

iii

Foreword

In recent years, there have been initiatives to investigate the potential for utilising both native and feral

exotic animals in developing new industries. These projects have been mindful of environmental andecological constraints and of State and Federal Government regulations.

This report is the result of a pre-feasibility study to examine the issues likely to impact on an attemptto farm European Brown Hare in Australia. Both technical and economic issues were investigated anddiscussed extensively with wildlife specialists, reproductive and genetic experts and animal

behaviourists.

Advice from such specialists here and overseas, together with observation of small scale breedingoperations in Italy led to the formulation of the recommendations in this report.

This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Federal Government.

This report, a new addition to RIRDCs diverse range of over 450 research publications, forms part ofour New Animal Products R & D program, which aims to accelerate the development of viable newanimal industries.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online throughour website:

downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Peter CoreManaging DirectorRural Industries Research and Development Corporation


4/44

iv

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Amanda Pickard, Reproductive Biology Unit at the Institute of

Zoology in London; Jack Giles and Ed. Lonnan of Zoological Parks Board of NSW, and numerousmembers of NSW Agriculture for advice and information on aspects of hare biology and behaviourand classification and regulations that apply to the species. This included the Agricultural ResourceManagement Program, Vertebrate Pest Management, the NSW Inter-Departmental Committee onIntensive Agriculture, Non-Indiginous Animals Program, Animal Welfare and the Wildlife andEcology Program.

Invaluable information and support from Gisella Paci and many of her co-researchers at the Universityof Pisa, Italy is appreciated. She also provided cage designs and dimensions as used on severalresearch farms and an analysis of the preferred feed formula for breeding hares.

Thanks also to Rod Maclure, Armanio Bento, Phil Chasseling , Yolande de Groot and Bill Jalarti for

their information on hare processing , wholesaling and pricing of hare meat.

We would also thank European importers of hare from South America for their frank disclosures ofprices and volumes of hare products. These included Leo Luiten and Jan de Groot of the Netherlandsand Thomas Maier of Germany and representatives from Berger-Wild and Franz Wild.

Max Foster of ABARE, Canberra kindly provided some information gained during his research projecton the prospects for the Australian rabbit industry.


5/44

v

ContentsForeword ................................................................................................................................. iii

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. iv

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... vii

1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................1

2. Objectives.............................................................................................................................2

3. Methodology.........................................................................................................................2

4. Literature Review .................................................................................................................34.1 Hare Products.................................................................................................................34.2 Carcase Regulations ......................................................................................................34.3 Meat and Packaging Quality...........................................................................................34.4 Biology Research - Behaviour and Reproduction .........................................................4

5. Production and Management Issues....................................................................................85.1 Initial Animal Stocks........................................................................................................85.2 Cage Systems, Pens and Shelter...................................................................................85.3 Optimal Breeding Mix .....................................................................................................85.4 Feed requirements..........................................................................................................9

6. Alternative Systems............................................................................................................10

7. Markets...............................................................................................................................117.1 Domestic Market........................................................................................................117.2 Export Markets..............................................................................................................11

8. Regulatory Issues...............................................................................................................13

9. Conclusions and Recommendations..................................................................................149.1 Recommendations........................................................................................................14

10. Economic Analysis ...........................................................................................................16

10.1 Production Assumptions .............................................................................................1610.2 Annual cost assumptions............................................................................................1710.3 Start up assumptions and estimates...........................................................................18

11. References.......................................................................................................................20

12. Appendices.......................................................................................................................2212.1 Appendix A: Tables 5 9............................................................................................22

Table 5 Composition and chemical analysis of hare pellets and oat straw..................22Table 6 Digestibility of the two pellets with or without oat straw ..................................23Table 7 Estimated supply and disposal of wild rabbit products in Australia

(includes wild hare), (ABARE, 1999)................................................................24Table 8 Volume and value of Australian exports of rabbit meat, by destination a,

includes hare meat (ABARE, 1999) ................................................................25Table 9 - Volume and value of Australian imports of rabbit and hare pelts,by destination...................................................................................................27

12.2 Appendix B .................................................................................................................28Cage design for couple bred hares.................................................................................28Cage design for couple bred hares.................................................................................28Cage design for young hares including feed box.........................................................29Cage design for young hares including straw box ....................................................... 30Original cage design from Basle Zoological Gardens.....................................................31

12.3 Appendix C: Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.............................................................35


6/44

vi

List of Tables in text

Table 1: Comparative Lagomorph Data...............................................................................4Table 2: Comparative Milk Composition ..............................................................................5

Table 3A: Farm Productivity Comparison ..............................................................................5Table 3B: Farm Productivity Comparison ..............................................................................6Table 5: Annual reproductive performance with respect to age and year ...........................6


7/44

vii

Executive Summary

This report investigates the feasibility of establishing a hare farming operation in Australia. Manyindividuals involved in other agricultural ventures express surprise at this concept, given theirexperiences with sudden death of hares due to stress, and apparent wide ranging territorial behaviour.

Examples of small hare breeding ventures in the high country in the north of Italy, in France and insome Eastern European countries have shown that captive hare breeding is technically possible,although only when specific conditions are met and cage design and husbandry is properly managed.However, even small operations experience heavy losses of stock over many years, primarily throughstress, disease and reproductive difficulties. Hare behaviour in captivity is significantly different fromthe wild and it would appear that these enforced changes in an animal which has never beendomesticated, contribute to the reproductive problems. When compared to both wild and domesticrabbits, hares produce few litters (two per year) and small numbers of young (two to four).Additionally, death rates for leverets prior to weaning are often quite high.

All farms visited fell into two categories: (a) research projects to study reproductive habits and tobreed for ultimate re-introduction to the wild and (b) income supplement operations on existing farmswith significant production of either pigs or poultry such as feathered game. Labour inputs are initiallyhigh, but once established, are minimal provided that numbers are kept low (20 to 30 couples).Thehares are not grown to the weights required for meat animals, but are sold to hunting or game parks

prior to the hunting season and while the hares are quite young. This allows the hares to gain territorialand flight behaviour instincts while growing to reproductive maturity.

The major market for hare meat is Europe and a very small local wild supply is supplemented by largevolumes from Argentina and Chile. This product is wild shot hare, processed at poultry or game bird

plants over just a few months each year .The products are well presented in the traditional Europeanmanner, vacuum packed and frozen. Because of the volume of product supplied and the reasonably

low cost, it is unlikely that an Australian venture could compete in this market even in the medium tolong term. However, if availability of wild hare stocks in Argentina and Chile continue to decline, it isquite likely that the major hare markets in Europe will be significantly undersupplied. There is noevidence to suggest that wild hare numbers are increasing throughout Europe, as even hares bred incaptivity and released are subject to the endemicEuropean Brown Hare Virus Syndrome.

In order to satisfy even a small niche within this market, it would be necessary for an Australianbreeding farm to build hare numbers rapidly and to have access to a suitably accredited abattoir andboning room. This would involve a breeding group of possibly 150 couples, or up to 200 does ifharem breeding was to be employed.

It is more likely that hare meat would be left competing against many other red game meats (venison,emu, ostrich, buffalo and camel), as well as other meats such as game birds, crocodile, goat and bothwild and farmed rabbit, in the somewhat limited domestic market.

Hare pelts are in demand by manufacturers of hats of the Akubra style. The skins from the SouthAmerican wild hares are also supplied to Europe where they are traded in the world market to supplyhat and apparel manufacturers. Australian hat manufacturers have not been able to satisfy their needsfrom local rabbit skins and currently import significant numbers of farmed rabbit skins from China atlow prices. Certainly, size and natural colour of hare pelts make them a preferred product, but theycannot compete on volume or price with either wild or farmed rabbit skins.

Consultation with Federal and State Government Departments and agencies does not indicate any

major constraints with respect to legalities or licencing difficulties, provided the usual animal welfareand proper housing conditions are observed. Local Government development approval orenvironmental impact studies may be required in some areas. Advice from one agency suggested that


8/44

viii

it would be unlikely that a tourist facility would be permitted to be associated with hare breeding areasdue to the injuries that may occur to the animals through the flight reaction to the presence of humans.

However, economic analysis indicates hare farming is unlikely to be a viable profitable operation,although a dedicated operator willing to absorb losses over several years may find it a suitable smalldiversification to another mainstream agricultural operation. This would be based on linking with awholesaler of game meats in the domestic market, or the direct supply to limited restaurants. Such asmall scale system does present difficulties in providing suitable slaughter arrangements, unless

permission was sought to process as wild product.


9/44

1

1. Introduction

The European Brown Hare is a species of the Order Lagomorpha, which also includes rabbits. Bothwere introduced to Australia from the United Kingdom, but were common field animals throughoutEurope. The only other Lagomorph found in the United Kingdom is the blue or mountain hare.

These are found in Ireland and in the highlands of Scotland, but do not appear to have beenintroduced to Australia, or did not survive the conditions.

All are herbivorous, the hares being surface dwellers and the rabbit using burrows. The numbers ofhares throughout the United Kingdom and across Europe have diminished to the point of nearextinction. This has resulted from the incidence of theEuropean Brown Hare Syndrome Virus whichis specific to hares and is almost always fatal. It closely resembles Rabbit Calici Disease, both insymptoms and outcome, but the two viruses are quite separate and species specific. The encroachingdevelopment into rural areas and the loss of farming areas, particularly in the United Kingdom, hasalso contributed to the drop in the hare population. Excessive hunting in Europe has been a factor inthe European decline.

The population of hares in Australia, although relatively small when compared to the wild rabbitnumbers, is free of the virus affecting them in Europe. Wild rabbit numbers are decreasing as aresult of deliberate infection with the Calici Virus, at least in the drier regions of the country. Whererabbit numbers have decreased and baiting of foxes has occurred, hare numbers appear to havemoderately increased. Rabbits out-compete hares through more prolific breeding, feed selection and

protection from predators through life in burrows. Improved hare numbers could provide greateraccess to wild stock as a starter group for breeding trials.

This feasibility study aims to assess the potential for hare products in the market and the likelyprospects of achieving a viable production system.


10/44

2

2. Objectives

1. Identification of key factors likely to impact on commercial farming of EuropeanBrown Hare in Australia.

2. Analysis of economic considerations and development of an economic model.

3. Estimation of current domestic and export market size for hare, and potential for growth inthese and other new markets.

4. Analysis of results to indicate technical feasibility, economic viability and marketsustainability.

3. MethodologyDesk Research including extensive literature review was most important for this project, giventhe limited commercial ventures in this area. Since the hare is a unique animal in terms of its

behaviour in the wild and in extreme sensitivity to the presence of humans with subsequent flightresponse, most publications were from Zoologists, Animal Behaviourists and ReproductiveScientists. European researchers contacted during the course of this research provided valuable

help and the opportunity to visit small research hare farms and to obtain cage specifications.

Market Research included both in-market research in the major game market in Europe andtelephone interviews with processors of other game meats, wholesalers and distributors in thedomestic market. Current European market size and predictions for future scope to increase thevolumes were provided by the actual importers of hare from South America.Statistics for consumption of hare meat in Australia are not available, as volumes are small and areincluded in the statistics for wild rabbit. However, the current processors and wholesalers of wildhare did provide some indicative figures.

Economic Analysis was performed using appropriate predictive software, following the collection

of fixed and variable cost estimates and likely costs of cage systems and equipment, offset withpossible returns for hare products.


11/44

3

4. Literature Review

4.1 Hare ProductsHares, like many animals in the wild throughout Europe, were an important part of the culture ofhunting. The open season for game hunting is generally Autumn and Winter, with different start and

finish dates for each species. This was designed to protect the animals during the reproductive phaseand allow the young to be weaned and independent before autumn. Excessive hunting and disease,increasing urbanisation and a subsequent loss of food and shelter, and an increase in road deaths hasled to significantly reduced numbers of some animals.

During the European game season, when fresh, chilled product is permitted to be sold, it is stillpossible to see whole hares hanging in markets and at wild game processing plants. The practice ofhanging for several days with skin on and not eviscerated has led to several studies on themicrobiological status of the meat. Generally the meat from such carcasses is compared with productobtained from carcases which have been skinned and eviscerated soon after death.

4.2 Carcase RegulationsAlthough some countries such as Italy permit importation of un-eviscerated, skin-on hares, Germanydoes not. The major supply of hare into Europe is into Germany and the Netherlands from Argentinaand Chile. The field hares are hunted on the pampas between May and September and delivered to

processing plants with a minimum of delay. This ensures compliance with the Europeanrequirement of an internal temperature of 0.7 degrees Centigrade within 10 hours of death.Processing plants skin, eviscerate, portion and vacuum pack the hare cuts, which are then rapidlyfrozen. Some of the larger carcases, which are presumed to be from older hares, are larded withstrips of smoked bacon fat prior to vacuum packing. Some importers have specifications for the cutsof hare meat according to weight, with some of the larger loins being boned and packed. Generallythough, the hare carcase is separated into 3 cuts: shoulders (joined), whole loin, and hind legs(joined), all bone-in.

4.3 Meat and Packaging Quali tyMethods of packaging and storage have also been researched, but it is fair to say that the wild shotgame meats in Europe are often marinated for several days and cooked slowly for long periods intraditional ragout style dishes. The eating quality of most game meats varies according to age andsex, feed consumed and stress prior to death.

Studies on hare meat have indicated that product from does of any age remains tender and ofacceptable flavour, while these factors deteriorate as bucks age. The meat from older bucks becomes

progressively less tender and develops a strong, unacceptable flavour.

This same effect is observed in venison from deer, while in emu, ostrich, buffalo and camel meat,young animals are preferred for tenderness. There is variation in the reported eating quality ofkangaroo meat, but few objective studies have been conducted and most subjective comments referto some breeds being better eating than others, rather than a link to age or sex. With farmed gameanimals such as deer, it is possible to control slaughter to include only young entire males, castratesor females of any age to attempt to provide quality table cuts.

The perception of tough, strong, gamey flavoured meat is not likely to be a problem in Europeanmarkets, but has proved difficult to overcome in marketing farmed game in the Australian domesticmarket. Some European publications report on the more subtle flavour of farmed game meat, and itis realistic to expect that hares, if domesticated and farmed would also change flavour. Certainly, ina recent survey of Australian chefs, some disappointment was expressed with the lack of flavour of


12/44

4

farmed rabbit as opposed to wild rabbit. This, however, may not be of any concern to the dinersconsuming the meat and they may prefer the the more subtle taste.

4.4 Biology Research - Behaviour and Reproduct ionUntil the 1940s it was thought to be virtually impossible to breed wild hares in captivity. Hares areconsidered to be sensitive animals who never completely rid themselves of their flight reaction to

man, and the constant presence of humans disrupts captive hares so much that relationships withother hares are prevented. This effectively prevents breeding.

Unlike domesticated animals which breed at any time when placed with a mature individual of theopposite sex, hares observe the rutting period linked to seasons and will not necessarily accept any

partner. Very selective behaviour and a state of psychological readiness has been observed whichled to recent studies in Italy on cage behaviour of harem or fixed couple bred hares. This studydemonstrated aggressiveness related to refusal to mate in couple bred hares and feedingcompetitiveness in harem bred hares.

Breeding TrialsIn 1945, a report of trial experiments in the gardens at Berne, Switzerland followed by a captive

breeding program at the Basle Zoological Gardens became a definitive guide on which the cagedesigns and methods of to-day are still based. There is no documentation of the death rates of haresduring these trials. Cage design and dimensions of these and more modern versions are illustrated inAPPENDIX A. These relatively elaborate (and expensive) cages reduced deaths and failure to breed,mainly through preventing any human contact, either visual or physical.

During all trials up to the present time, the major disease threat in captivity is Coccidiosis and otherforms of enteritis. Originally, the cages were moved to new ground every 48 hours to avoid re-infection, and cage cleaning had to be frequent and thorough. Both these procedures caused majordisturbance to the hares, resulting in death from broken necks or crushed skulls as they attemptedflight behaviour.

After the Zoological Gardens succeeded in keeping hares for years in captivity, and continuouslybreeding from them, it was finally possible to discover the exact length of pregnancy, which is 42days. During this breeding program, a quite unexpected phenomenon was observed, namely super-foetation as a normal event. This occurs when a gravid female allows herself to be covered again 3or 4 days before a birth. If such a doubly pregnant hare is separated from the male, it can, after beingisolated, bear young for a second time within 39 days. It is therefore possible for pregnancy and heatto appear simultaneously in wild and captive hares.

Table 1: Comparative Lagomorph DataCommon name Rabbit (wild) Brown Hare

Food Herbage Herbage

Male (kg) mature live wt 1.5 3.5Female (kg) mature live wt. 1.5 3.7

Birth interval min. 30 days min. 30 days

Gestation 30 days 42 days

Litter size 3-7 2-3

Neonate (gm) 30 110

Weaning 21-28 days 30 days

Development Eyes open 7 days Eyes open at birth

Leaves nest 18 days Precocial

Neonate CareIt can be difficult to care for orphaned leverets, although it is likely that hand rearing ofcaptured young hares may be the only successful method of commencing a captive

breeding group. Apart from the risk of death from enteritis, the difficulty lies in the


13/44

5

composition of the milk of Lagomorphs compared to other species. The milk has a highconcentration of solids, particularly fat

Table 2: Comparative Milk Composition

Order/species Solids% Kcal/ml Fat Protein Carbohydrate Ash

LagomorphsRabbit 31.2 2.06 49 32 6 6

Hare 32.2 2.01 46 31 5 -

Marsupials

Red necked

Wallaby 13.0 0.83 33 29 32 6

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Carnivora

Red Fox 18.1 1.10 32 35 25 5

Domestic Cat 27 28 40 27----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Artiodactyll

Red Deer 19.6 1.26 39 36 19 6Fallow Deer 19.6 1.3 43 35 17 5

Sources: Ben Shaul (1962); Oftedal (1984); Sugar et al (1986); Monson (1987)

Hare Breeding in Captivity in hill or mountain areas: as a means of incomesupplementation *This study examined comparative experiences on 2 farms in Northern Italy. One was a pig farmingoperation and the other a feathered game and poultry farm.

Both had been operating for a number of years and performed only minimal selection of hares tocover internal breeding necessities. Future breeders are usually chosen from the best quality animals

born mid-season, or by animal exchange with neighbouring hare farms.

Breeding season usually begins in January and continues until October. The young are weaned at21-28 days and transferred to a cage housing 8-10 leverets. At 50-60 days of age they are sold tohunting clubs, game reserves or government bodies. Prices are often quite high at AU$ 128, and foradults up to AU$ 256. It has recently been demonstrated in another Italian study, if planning torelease young hares into the wild, it is necessary to transfer them from the growing cage to large,grassed enclosures to allow them to acquire normal instincts for survival. Culled animals aresometimes sold at local markets for meat.

The success of these ventures lies in keeping labour inputs down by restricting numbers to 20-30

pairs, limiting feed costs to supplements from weaning to about 50 days of age and the high returnfrom hare sales. The existence of a well developed hunting culture ensures returns far in excess ofthe meat value of the hares.

Table 3A: Farm Productivity ComparisonYEAR 1

% Deaths % Infertile pairs

Farm 1 14.1 21.05

Farm 2 26.5 15

YEAR 2


14/44

6

Farm 1 12.8 13.8

Farm 2 28.3 35

Table 3B: Farm Productivity Comparison

YEAR 1Parturitions / yr / pair Weaned young / pair / yr

Farm 1 3.8 7Farm 2 3.8 7

YEAR 2

Farm 1 4.5 9.84

Farm 2 4.5 7.61

* Source: Mantovani C., Ferrante V., Canali E. (Institute of Zootechnica, Milan Italy)

Farm 1 operating 5 years; Farm 2 operating 2 years

The study reported that the choice of breeders for internal in-breeding, and the weaning of theleverets were the most critical phases of farm management. This requires good judgement andexperience to avoid compromising the entire reproductive cycle the following year.

Reproductive Performance of hares kept in close captivity *This publication concluded that the breeding in close captivity of the European hare generally showslow performance and high individual variability. The aim of the study was to verify the productivelevels of a breeding operation, analysing the effect of age and the year.

The research was developed over 4 years on 50 couples of hares ranging in age from 1 to 4 years ofage, recording the main reproductive parameters. The 2 year old does showed the highest value of

pregnancy, live born and weaned leverets, and the lowest values were recorded in those 4 years old.The infertility rate decreased progressively from the first to the third year of reproductive career, andraised in the fourth year.

Table 5: Annual reproductive performance with respect to age and yearDoes age Year Mean SDE

1 2 3 4 90 91 92 93Reproductive life d 265 255 230 238 224 250 274 241 247 16

Births/couple n 3.2 3.2 2.9 1.3 1.9 2.9 3.4 2.6 2. 1.0

Born/couple n 6.9 7.2 6.4 2.8 4.0 6.8 7.4 5.2 5.8 1.2

Weaned/couple n 6.0 5.8 5.1 2.1 3.3 6.0 5.7 4.0 4.8 1.1

Mortality 1 to 10 d % 12.4 18.4 18.4 19.3 16.2 11.1 20.3 21.3 17.2 6.1

Mortality 11 to 21 d % 0.8 1.3 1.3 0.8 0.6 0.6 1.4 1.6 1.7 0.7

Weaned/birth n 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.6 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.7 0.7

Birth interval d 43.2 44.9 45.0 58.0 54.0 47.7 42.0 46.5 47.8 8.1

Superfoetation % 29.1 28.1 29.0 27.5 28.8 27.5 28.8 28.7 28.4 3.8

Infertiltity % 28.5 19.6 14.8 45.7 32.8 15.6 22.1 37.3 27.0 5.7

* Castiglione G; Castellini C; Dal Bosco A. Institute of Zootechnica, Perugia Italy.

n = 50 couples; d = days.

Superfoetation refers to a gravid female being covered again 3-4 days before a birth. The doe then bears a second litter

within 39 days. (Pregnancy and heat appear simultaneously.)

Feeding studies with captive haresSeveral publications have investigated the digestibility of commercial pellets with and withoutsupplementation with oat straw. Generally the findings have demonstrated that hares have high fibreutilisation and that it is a contributing factor to gut health.Detailed chemical analysis of the commercial pellets, and the figures for the digestibility values foreach of the hare groups are given in Tables 5 and 6 in APPENDIX A .


15/44

7

It is important to note that all European researchers have stressed the major disease threat to captivehares is coccidiosis. A coccidiostat is routinely added to the commercial pellets which are similar tothose formulated for rabbits.

Departments of Agriculture in some Australian States have advised that coccidiostats (used in thepoultry industry) are not registered for use with rabbits or hares.


16/44

8

5. Production and Management Issues

5.1 Initial Animal StocksLive animal capture from the wild will be the first constraint to establishing a hare farming venture.Difficulty in capture of adult hares has been a common experience in Australia. When confronted by

humans or, if handled, adult hares become so stressed that they frequently die from sudden cardiacevents, or become distressed and fatally injure themselves when boxed or caged.

Capture of young hares offers the best chance of success, and it is suggested that many leveretscould be available when culling of adult hares occurs at the enclosed perimeter of the Western PlainsZoo at Dubbo or similar reserves. Ideally the young would already be weaned, that is, around 21-28days of age. If not weaned, it is necessary to hand rear using a special high fat, high solids milkadministered by small syringe at regular intervals. This is obviously very labour intensive, and theyoung may be lost to parasite or other gut infections.

If weaned leverets are captured, they can be transferred directly to a suitable cage or placed in grasspens in groups, preferably with one or two adult hares. Italian experience shows that 100 squaremetres per animal is necessary, but if kept in pens too long, death from coccidiosis is almostinevitable. Transfer of the mature hares to cages is necessary for breeding.

5.2 Cage Systems, Pens and ShelterUntil suitably designed cages were evolved, breeding of captive hares proved impossible. Sincehares remain sensitive to the presence of humans, it was necessary to design double cages with aremovable centre panel which could be raised to allow the breeding pair to pass to the second cagechamber. The back section is completely closed and sheltered, with small spy holes in the back wallto allow operators to see when the hares have moved from one cage chamber to the next. The panelis then lowered again and the cage can be cleaned by accessing it from the back. The farm workersor researchers never approach the open meshed front of the cage, or even walk past at close range.

The cages are set up off the ground with metal grid floors to allow removal of excreta and easiercleaning. Separate hay boxes and feeding boxes are attached so that they can be refilled withoutdisturbing the hares. Where close observation of hare breeding activity and general behaviour

patterns are required (usually at research farms), video cameras are used during the known times ofmaximum activity.

Hare couples or harem groups can be housed in relatively simple cages (as above) but must betransferred to a breeding cage with sheltered, dark nesting boxes when the animals are sexuallymature and the breeding season commences. Once weaned, the young must be transferred to smallergrowing cages or they are likely to be killed by the adults, possibly through trampling or byaggression initiated by space constraints.

5.3 Optimal Breeding MixMost of the work in Europe has involved breeding from couples, with very young does (1 year) andolder does (4 years) being less fertile, having fewer live births and fewer weanings than 2 or 3 yearold does. Ultimately the breeding management would revolve around a group of these prime does,with culling at the appropriate age. More recently, attempts at harem breeding are proceeding. Thishas developed because hares are very selective of partners, and will not necessarily reproduce whena single, opposite sex hare is presented.

There is still evidence of the wild, leaping activity of the males, pre-mating, which has required thecages having much greater height than would be thought necessary for such a small animal. When 3or 4 females are placed with a male, mating sually occurs without refusal, although feeding

competition is likely to be more intense.


17/44


18/44

10

6. Alternative Systems

Since hare breeding in Australia would be a new venture, it may be possible to begin with capturedleverets, as before, but investigate a more extensive farming system. Hares usually run uphill whenfleeing a perceived threat, and prefer to take shelter where they can survey lower regions. It may be

possible to design runs leading up natural slopes or on undulating land towards dark, ventilated,sheltered nest boxes. The runs would need to be linked with laneways to facilitate movement ofhares to new areas so that treatment of the last used runs could be treated for parasite cyst build up

before reuse by hare groups.

Other semi- intensive systems have been discussed by some farmers, based on their experience withother stress prone livestock. Comparative trials of several alternative systems could be useful, butthe involvement of research professionals from university, research institution or Departments ofAgriculture in properly designed , statistically valid experiments would be necessary to ensuremeaningful results.

One of the most significant difficulties with any hare farming venture, regardless of the system

chosen, is the Australian regulation which requires that farmed animals must be abattoirslaughtered. Transport of stress prone animals over even a short distance is unlikely to be successful,and would necessitate the construction of a small, dedicated slaughter facility on site. Issues such as

pre-slaughter stunning are also a consideration and it has been suggested that carbon dioxideanaesthetic stunning as used for pigs in Canada and Scandinavia might need to be investigated.These facilities and techniques would add cost to a potential venture, but existing rabbit and game

bird slaughter premises have all indicated unwillingness to even attempt to handle live hares. Thepremises canvassed are already licenced and are processing wild rabbits and hares presented byprofessional shooters.


19/44

11

7. Markets

7.1 Domestic MarketThe current domestic market for hare meat is small, though no official statistics exist as hare isgrouped with wild rabbit in consumption figures. The product is limited almost entirely to food

service, and specifically to up market and fine ining establishments. Because of uncertain supply,hare is rarely a fixed menu item, but often appears as either a limited special or as aninterchangeable game meat dish.

Chefs report that, as a red meat, it is more likely to be an alternative to, or an addition to items suchas ostrich, emu or buffalo. Venison and Kangaroo are now considered more mainstream by food

professionals, although it is not clear if consumers share this view. Rabbit, on the other hand tendsto be interchanged on menus with duck, quail, pheasant or squab, although some chefs saw it moreas an alternative to pork dishes.

Demand would be likely to increase if regular, consistent quality supply could be guaranteed, butwholesalers advise that the product could be price sensitive. They believe that restaurants would not

purchase if commercial production meant that the price of farmed hare was significantly higher thanwild product.

Interviews were held with three speciality poultry and game bird processors and distributors, whosepremises are all licensed to process wild rabbit and hare. One of these is also processing farmedrabbit. Two say they pay professional rabbit shooters AU$8 for each hare, which is then skinned andeviscerated and packed in a poly bag. They are usually sold frozen because of an inconsistent supplyand demand situation for AU$12 wholesale.

The third company pays the shooters AU$9 for hares, and after processing the same way, sells themfor AU$10.50 wholesale. This figure would not seem to cover the cost of labour, packaging

materials, storage and distribution.

All processors advise that hare are not hunted specifically, and the shooters will only hunt all nightif wild rabbits are present in numbers. For every 50 boxes of rabbits harvested, they could expect upto 5 boxes of hares. Processors retain the skins which presumably are sold with wild rabbit skinswhich would increase returns.

If a hare farming venture was attempted, and while production volumes were low, it is unlikely thatthe market would be willing to pay much more than for whole dressed wild hare. However, if thecarcase could be divided into cuts similar to European product and small but regular volumesguaranteed, it could be possible to establish a direct supply to a few hotels with fine dining venues.This know the grower through direct supply is an increasing trend among chefs.

7.2 Export MarketsThe highest consumption of hare is in the European countries, which is not surprising since the hareis an indigenous animal and the hunting culture is so entrenched. However, viral and parasiticdiseases have severely reduced the natural population, while hunting continued uncontrolled (exceptfor the observance of the open season).

Some fresh wild product is available in the game markets during the Autumn and Winter season,and Eastern Europe supplies some skin on, gut in hare carcasses to Italy. Hare in this form is not

permitted into Germany as they have been concerned with hygiene issues.

The hare market in Western Europe includes hotels and restaurants, but also a significant retailcomponent. The trend in this consumer segment, as is evident in much of the developed world, is


20/44

12

towards more pre-prepared or convenience products. Several companies have developed a range ofmicrowave or oven ready game meat meals, all of which include hare. These meals are also suppliedin commercial size packs for institutional catering and for the less expensive restaurants.

Satisfying the demand for game meats throughout Europe has relied on imports for many years now.Wholesalers and distributors buy hare from three major importers, all product originating in South

America. The largest volumes come from Argentina, although Chile also supplies wild hare. In1998/99, 2.2 million hares were exported from South America to the importers in Germany and the

Netherlands. This equates to approximately 5,500 tonnes of bone-in cuts. There are indications thatthe wild hare populations in Argentina and Chile have declined substantially, since the volumes intoEurope just 10 years ago were 70 million hares per year (175,000 tonnes of bone-in meat). Attemptsto discover whether this is due to disease, excessive hunting or both, have been met with noresponse from Argentina.

Although Australia has the advantage of being an island continent, with the consequent better healthstatus and low disease incidence for wild animals such as hare, the natural wild populations are nothigh. Wildlife ecologists in Australia believe this is most likely due to the enormous wild rabbit

populations, which have been more successful than hares at competing for food and are much more

prolific breeders. Their burrowing habit gives them more protection options and they are aggressivetowards hares, despite the larger size of the hares. Whether this situation will change as wild rabbitnumbers decrease from infection with Rabbit Calici Disease, is a matter for speculation.

It is, however, unrealistic to believe that Australia could supply the European market at any time inthe medium term future. The costs of breeding and farming hare will be high with expected lowreturns and high mortalities, but competition with the South Americans on price will be extremelydifficult. The current buying price for hare products was quoted as AU$ 5 per kilogram or $5,000

per tonne for the whole hares, natural fall, divided into 3 traditional cuts. These bone-in cuts are thehind legs (joined), the saddle and the shoulders (joined). Some saddles are boned out as a premium

product and these presumably have a higher cost. It has also been traditional to lard hare cuts as theycan be dry, but this appears to be applied mainly to the legs and saddles from larger carcases. Sincethe shoulders are usually tougher and are cooked by slow, low temperature moist methods, larding isnot common. It also adds additional cost, both in labour and the cost of the smoked pork fat.

Prices observed in retail markets were:Whole, wild hare with skin on in a market in the Netherlands AU$ 8 eachBone-in hare saddles at a market in Dusseldorf AU$ 37 / kgBone-in hind legs at a market in Dusseldorf AU$ 28 / kgBone-in shoulders at a market in Dusseldorf AU$ 13 / kg


21/44

13

8. Regulatory Issues

A number of professionals from several areas of Government were consulted for information onrequirements for, or impediments to captive hare breeding. The Vertebrate Pest Management sectionof the NSW Agriculture has advised that the hare, unlike the wild rabbit, is not considered a noxious

pest and therefore does not fall under the Rural Lands Protection Act of 1989. There is a new RuralLands Protection Act of 1998 which is yet to be enacted and which removes the licensingrequirement for domestic rabbits as they are not considered noxious pests. The farmed domesticrabbit has been bred in captivity for hundreds of years and is poorly adapted for survival in the wild.It would be highly unlikely to add to existing wild populations, although authorities have insisted onquite stringent requirements for cage systems to ensure that they are mosquito proof to preventvector transfer of Rabbit Calici Disease (RCD). Vaccines are commercially available to protectfarmed rabbits from RCD, but it is illegal to vaccinate against myxomatosis using live vaccines

because this could lead to immunity developing in the wild rabbit population. Killed vaccines arenot readily available.

While these issues do not apply to hares, the development of diseases during captive breeding is an

untested situation, and the likelihood of spread to other animals in the wild if hare were to bereleased or escaped is seen as a potential threat.

The Technical Manager for the area of Exotic Animals, (NSW Agriculture) advises that Europeanbrown hares fall under the non-indiginous animals legislation and are classed as a category five pestanimal. There are no restrictions on capture and breeding, although, as with all such operations, harefarming would have responsibilities under the Local Government Development Controls, the MeatIndustry Act and the Stock Food and Medicines Act. Other authorities could be involved, dependingon the slaughter facility used and the destination of the hare meat.

The animal house manager from the Department of Wildlife and Ecology in the Australian CapitalTerritory has been breeding wild rabbits for experimental purposes and has experienced greatdifficulty with captive breeding. They are totally different from the domestic farmed rabbit, and his

personal knowledge of hares in the wild suggests that they will need carefully planned cage layoutand handling.


22/44

14

9. Conclusions and Recommendations

The conclusion from this study is that a small hare farming operation is unlikely to be economicallyviable in the medium term. Labour and other input costs will be high and expected returns will below from a small domestic market.

If a dedicated operator were to persevere over a long period ( as much as 10 years), and wasprepared to accept financial loss as well as continuing high stock mortality, it is possible that asmall, direct trade in premium hare meat could be established with high value clients. Acquiring theknowledge and experience to establish and improve production takes some time, as has beendemonstrated in the trials and comparative studies in Italy. Transferring that knowledge andexperience to new farmers starting up such an operation has also proved difficult in overseas trials.

Unfortunately, an increase in numbers in this industry would be essential in achieving the criticalmass necessary to develop facilities and reduce costs through co-operation. Because of perceiveddifficulties with transport and slaughter of hares, such industry co-operation would be successfulonly if the farms were clustered.

In preparing the economic analysis, no allowance has been made for expensive ventilation andcooling systems to prevent heat stress (as is required with rabbits and poultry), as the needs for haresare unknown. All hare breeding operations visited in Europe are in regions where the winters can besevere but the summer periods have mild temperatures. This environment would exist in Australiaonly in coastal regions or in areas with higher altitude.

Assuming that a small industry was to develop over a long period of time, there is anothersignificant threat to potential markets. The possible increase in numbers ofwild hares , might induce

professional shooters to hunt hares specifically, provided that the numbers were significant and thehares relatively accessible. Some wildlifeecologists have noted increasing hare numbers in areaswhere wild rabbit populations have significantly reduced due to RCD.

9.1 Recommendations

Location of research

Ideally, research and development projects should be conducted close to the point of capture toavoid the stress of transport. (this would eliminate one negative factor in the start up process)

Supply of hares

Planned culling of adult hares is occurring at the Dubbo western Plains Zoo and this could be astarting point for capture of orphaned leverets.

Data Collection

Utilisation of the skills of research and ancillary staff of either the zoo or a university or otherresearch institution would ensure that data collection and interpretation was valid.

Animal Behaviour

Trials should be conducted by researchers experienced with hares or similar animals, so thatanimal behaviour and handling knowledge is present.

Reproduction

More research needs to be conducted on the reproductive activity of hares under Australianconditions. This is possible only when hares can be observed under captive conditions.

Potential to increase the production from hares would appear to be a key factor in the likelihoodof any viable hare breeding operations. This is important given the marked differences in hareand rabbit performance. Domestic rabbits can be expected to produce 8 litters of up to 7 young

per doe per year. The accepted standard is that 40 weaners survive to be marketed per doe per

year. Hare breeding as noted earlier in the text, is much less prolific 2 litters of 2 or 3 young


23/44

15

per doe per year. Hares having larger litters tend to have higher mortality rates at weaning, or asneonates.

Industry Development

Concurrently with research and development as suggested, awareness of the statistics relating towild rabbit numbers is vital. A request to the monitoring authorities responsible for thesefigures, to include estimates of any changes to wild hare populations could be a useful indicator

of possible changes to the local market demand.


24/44

16

10. Economic Analysis

10.1 Product ion Assumptions Females from 1 to 3 years of age produce 4 to 6 young per year.

A couple produces an average 2.7 pregnancies per year. Average weaned young per couple per year is 4.8. Mortality rate from 1 to 10 days is 20%.

Mortality rate from 11 to 21 days is 2%.

Weaned young surviving each birth is only 1.7.

Infertility averages 27%, but if only 2 and 3 year old does are used, thisreduces to 17.2%.

Ratio of males to females normally 1:1, but to stimulate production, harembreeding to be attempted at ratio of 1:3 or 4.

Breeding females culled after third year of reproduction. Breeding males culled after 5 years, provided performance in years 3 to 5

has been successful.

Feed intake for adult hares approximately 220 grams commercial pellets perday.

Young adult hares yield 1.4 kg bone-in meat, up to 2.2 kg for an older adultto 3 years.

Initial captured stock to include 20 males and 60 females. No breeding willbe possible until the following season (6 months +), as all will be youngleverets.


25/44

17

10.2 Annual cost assumptions

Breeding phase Unit Value

Breeding does no. 80

Does per male no. 4

Breeding compatibility % 70

Conception rate (young does) % 75Litters per doe per year no. 2.7

Live born per litter no. 2.2

Mortality, birth to weaning % 20

Weaned hares per litter no. 1.7

Weaned hares per year no. 367

Age at weaning days 30

Average weight at weaning kg 0.8

Total feed intake/kg weaned hare kg 5.8

Feed needs, males and females g/day 220

Culling rate % 25

Growth phaseLiveweight gain g/day 50

Mortality % 18

Age at marketing weeks 12

Liveweight kg 3.5

Feed requirements tonnes 15.5

Feed cost, commercial pellets $/tonne 340

Revenue $ 3,586

Hares sold b no 326

Farm gate price $ 11

Capital requirementsProperty/buildings existing

Cages / pens $ 18,70

0

Costs

Variable costs, total $ 7,020

Feed $ 5,270

Veterinary $ 1,000

Electricity $ 250

Miscellaneous $ 500

Fixed costs, total $ 961

Depreciation c $ 561

Insurance $ 400

Total costs $ 7,981

Per hare marketed

- variable cost $ 21.5

- fixed cost % 2.9

- total cost % 24.4

Net revenue (loss) $ 4,395

b includes culled does and bucks; c depreciation assumes 10 year lifetimes for cages.


26/44

18

10.3 Start up assumptions and estimates

Estimates of expected costs were derived from consultation with people from various sectors of thefarmed rabbit industry, from Italian hare breeding experiences, and from assumptions based on thelikely development of stock numbers.

Also based on actual data from small hare breeding farms in Europe are the assumptions for highmortalities and low production over the initial 3 to 5 years.

PropertyIt is assumed that a hare breeding operation would be developed on an existing primary productionenterprise. No costs associated with purchase of land have been factored into the analysis.

Breeding facilitiesThree types of cages would need to be constructed. The growing cages for weaned leverets wouldaccommodate 3 young hares, but it may be more successful initially to place only 2 into each smallcage (1male and 1 female). They are transferred to the larger breeding cages before the start of the

reproductive season. The breeding cages are usually for couple breeding, with a slightly larger cagewith more nesting box areas for harem breeding.

It is recommended that harem breeding be attempted because of expected high mortality at eachstage. 3 or 4 females to each male per cage would require the construction of 20 larger breedingcages, 4 couple breeding cages, and 8 growing cages for young hares. If production improved, moregrowing cages would be needed within the first 3 year. 3 grassed enclosures are likely to be requiredfor movement of hares at various stages of growth and to allow for any infection control cleaning, orfor modifications to cages.

Cage construction estimatesConstruction materials include steel mesh flooring to facilitate cleaning and excrement removal.

The frame, including the legs to elevate the cage from the ground are of hardwood. Treatment fortermites may be necessary in some cases. Wire mesh inset into timber frames form the front section,which also has fittings for the attachment of a straw box. A feed box for pellets is attached at oneside towards the front. The sides of the cage are partially meshed with the rear third of the cage

being solid timber to enclose the nesting area. Access doors are fitted to this section, and small spyholes allow observation of the hares without confronting them from the front. The sloping roof isconstructed from corrugated roof panels.

20 harem breeding cages according to the plan and including hay and feed boxes at $700each,.. Total $14,000

4 couple breeding cages to plan as above at $600 each,.. Total $2,400

8 small growing cages partitioned according to the plan -

at $850 for a unit of 4, .. Total $1,700

3 grassed enclosures for short term holding including fencing , covered shelter boxes and flexibletop cover such as shade cloth at $200 each .. Total $600

Basic construction costs including labour of all cages Total $18,700

Capture costs


27/44

19

The capture of live young hares will be a difficult and time consuming operation which needs to beconducted at the appropriate stage of the breeding season to try to ensure that weaned leverets arelikely to be on the ground. This will most likely need to be attempted at night over a period of 2weeks.

Several people will need to be employed to assist with the operation and suitable transport cages

will need to be leased. The total cost of this operation could be as much as $7,000, if travel andaccommodation is included. This cost has not been indicated in the production assumptions but iscovered in the discounted cash flow analysis.

LabourIt is anticipated that labour inputs could be on a part time basis, with the first two years costing$15,000 each year. The following years would require either more hours or an additional person forshort periods, largely due to increasing hare numbers. It is anticipated that the annual costs will be$20,000.

Sales returnsIt is extremely uncertain that a processing facility can be found that is willing to undertake hareslaughter. It is not economically feasible to construct a small, dedicated facility on-site, unlessnumbers of market ready hares turned off were significant. This is unlikely from the predictions of

productive potential calculated in this study. Therefore, the only option open is to try to sell thehares at farm gate to an existing wild hare processor. The costs and difficulties of transport and theslaughter costs are then transferred to the processor. If handling and transport losses were high as aresult of stress, this situation may not be an acceptable risk to either party.

It is unlikely that such a processor will be willing to pay much more than the cost of wild hares.However, for consistency of size and reliability of supply, it is likely they would pay $11 per hare atthe farm gate. There is scope to improve this to a premium if a market could be developed for bone-in hare cuts in the European style or for boned and portion controlled meat. In the event that such a

market was developed, the trimmed, high quality meat would fetch up to $20 per kilogram for legand $28 per kilogram for loin at wholesale prices.

Because of low production levels of hares, it is expected that most grower hares not sold for meatwould be used to increase breeding stock and to replace culled older animals. However, it isexpected that some surplus young hares could be sold as potential breeding stock to other farmers inyears four and seven. The likely value of these stock could be $50 per couple if sold soon afterweaning.


28/44

20

11. References

Food Science and Technology Abstracts (FSTA) Retrospective 1969 1989Imports of rabbits and game and German hunting yields in tons in year 1970.

FSTA Retrospective 1969 1989Present day aspects of the hygienic and sanitary control of hare meat.Julini M; Bertolotti P; Voghera M.

FSTA Retrospective 1969-1989Effects of various treatments and storage conditions on carcass composition and meat quality ofhares and wild and domestic rabbits.Oldigs B; Myer-Ravenstein H; Kallweit e; Scupin E.

FSTA Retrospective 1969-1989Sanitary and culinary quality of variously treated imported hare meat to Germany.Heinz G; Winter H; Hechelmann H.

FSTA Retrospective 1969-1989Production of hare meat in Argentina.Winter H; Heinz G.

FSTA Retrospective 1969-1989Slaughter yields of hares and quality and food value of the meat.Tropilo J; Stanczak B; Kiszczak L; Beuth A.

Hare rearing Effect of oat straw and chlorine in water.Paci G; Folliero M; Ambrogi C; Pedonese F; Ebani V; Bagliacca M. ( Dept. Animal Prodn.; Uni. ofPisa)

Oat straw as complementary food for hares.Paci G; Folliero M; Ambrogi C; Bagliacca M (Dept. Animal. Prodn. ; Uni. of Pisa)

Cage Behaviour of harem or fixed couple bred hares.Bagliacca M; Paci G; Rivatelli D; Ottaviani C; Folliero M (Dept. of Animal Prodn.; (Uni. of Pisa)

Hare breeding in captivity in hill or mountain areas : as a means of income supplementation.Mantovani C; Ferrante V; Canali E.28

thInternational symposia of Zootechnia, Milan

Breeding hares in captivity at the Basle Zoological Gardens.Hediger H.

Breeding of hareArduin M. Editorial, Publication of Council for Hunting, Italy 1987

Cages for breeding of hareArduin M. 12thNational congress for breeding game animals, Caglieri: 121-129; 1990

Behaviour and maternal relations of young European hares during the nursing period.Pielowski Z; Pucek Z.

Ecology and management of European hare populations.


29/44

21

Journal of Polish Hunting Association, Warsaw; 59-67.

Behaviour of does and leverets of the European hare whilst nursing.Journal of Zoology, London; 191 (4): 487-501

Research perspectives in farm animal welfare : the concept of stress.

Dantzer R. Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Ethics (s.s.2) 86-92

Causes of disease and death in hares of North Italy.Gallazzi D; Rota T; Facchin E.(Dept. of Reproduction and Protection of National fauna; Brescia:221-235.)

Stereotype behaviour of hares, couple bred in captivity.Mantovani C; Trani d; Verga M.(National Convention of Ecopathology of wild fauna; INFSBologna)

European Hare breeding in close captivity.Spagnesi M.( Italian Federation of Hunting and Game; editorial 1982)

Breeding of captive hares in the post weaning period.Vincenti A; Marsico G; Vonghia G; Pinto F; Moramarco V; Ciruzzi B. (Journal of Rabbit farming29(12): 67-70)

Rabbit farming, planning and development control guidelines.Watson C; Stone Y. (NSW Agriculture Planning and Development Control Guidelines May 1999)

Prospects for the farmed rabbit industry in Australia.Foster M. (RIRDC publication 1999)

Reproductive performance of hares kept in close captivity.Castiglione G; Castellini C; Dal Bosco A. (Journal of Rabbit Farming N11 1996; Perugia Italy)

LagomorphsCorbet and Southern UK 1977 and McBride UK 1988

Composition of the milks of various species and Orders.Shaul B; Oftedal; Sugar et al; Monson. (Manuel of Exotic Pests, ch 12 Wild Animals p 122-149)

Wild Animals in Captivity.Hediger H. (London Butterworth 1950 p136-143)


30/44

22

12. Appendices

12.1 Appendix A: Tables 5 9

Table 5 Composition and chemical analysis of hare pellets and oat straw

Source Paci, G. et al (1999)


31/44

23

Table 6 Digestibil ity of the two pellets with or without oat strawSource Paci, G. et al (1999)


32/44

24

Table 7 Estimated supply and disposal of wild rabbit products in Australia(includes wild hare), (ABARE, 1999)


33/44

25

Table 8 Volume and value of Australian exports of rabbit meat, by destinationa,includes hare meat (ABARE, 1999)


34/44

26

Table 8 continued


35/44

27

Table 9 - Volume and value of Australian imports of rabbit and hare pelts, bydestination(ABARE, 1999)


36/44

28

12.2 Appendix B

Cage design for couple bred hares

Cage design for couple bred hares


37/44

29

Cage design for young hares including feed box


38/44

30

Cage design for young hares including straw box


39/44

31

Original cage design from Basle Zoological Gardens


40/44

32


41/44

33


42/44


43/44

35

12.3 Appendix C: Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW A NALYSIS

Year 0 1 2 3 4 5

Revenue

Hare meat 0 0 3,586 7,172 7,172 5,379 5,37Sales/breeding stock 2,500

TOTA L REVENUE 0 0 3,586 7,172 9,672 5,379 5,37

Cos ts

Capital Requirements

Capture 7,000

Cages/pens 18,700

Registrations 2,000

TOTAL CAPITAL 27,700

Operat ional Costs

Feed 5,270 5,270 9,222 9,222 6,916 6,91

Ad minist ra tion 50 0 50 0 50 0 50 0 50 0 50Electric ity 250 250 250 250 250 25

Veterinary 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,00

Maintenance 500 500 500 500 500 50

Labour (part-time) 15,000 15,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,00

Insurance 400 400 400 400 400 40

TOTAL OPERATIONAL 22,920 22,920 31,872 31,872 29,566 29,56

TOTA L COSTS 27,700 22,920 22,920 31,872 31,872 29,566 29,56

Net operat ional cash f low (22,920) (19,334) (24,700) (22,200) (24,187) (24,18

Total cash flow (27,700) (22,920) (19,334) (24,700) (22,200) (24,187) (24,18

Investment analys is

Revenue flows $ 0 3586 7172 9672 5379 537Cost flows $ 27,700 22,920 22,920 31,872 31,872 29,566 29,56

Discount rate 10%

Discount factors 1.000 0.9091 0.8264 0.7513 0.6830 0.6209 0.564

Discounted revenue stream $ 0 2963 5388 6606 3340 303

Discounted cost stream $ 27,200 20837 18941 23945 21769 18358 1669

Discounted cash flow $ (27,200) 20837 15978 18557 15163 15018 1365

Present value of revenues $ 38658

Present value of costs $ 180867

Net present value $ (142,209)

Benefit/cost ratio 0.21:1


44/44

forming european hare

Documents