HOW TO START GRASSCUTTER FARMING

Grasscutters are rodents just like rats widely found in grasslands in Africa. They are more commonly known as Cane-rats in English speaking parts of West Africa. In Nigeria, they are known as Oya in Yoruba, Gebgi in Hausa and Nchi in Ibo. Other dialects are Udi (Urhobo/Isoko), Ikiri (Ijaw), Izay (Igbirra), Unam ukot (Afik/Ibibo), Evuato (Benin) and Emi (Igala). 

Grasscutters are widely hunted in the wild which is why it is also commonly known as bush meat in Nigeria. The meat is widely consumed all over the West Africa region and beyond, making it one of the top 10 animals whose meat is in highest demand in the market.

The high market demand for the meat as it is served on the menu of high class hotels and restaurants makes it a lucrative livestock to rear. The meat also commands a high market price compared to others (N2,000 per Kg or higher). The meat is also one of the healthiest as they are reared with natural food (grass) and the supplementary feeds have no steroids contents like has been reported in poultry and catfish.

For those who like to rear livestock but have a phobia because of the smell, need for space and high cost of feeding will find grasscutter farming a veritable alternative. I don’t have space I hear you say?

Guess what? I rear grasscutters in a room in my apartment in Lagos. The odour is not offensive. The cost of daily running in grasscutter rearing after the initial investment is low compared with other livestock like poultry or catfish. Initial investment will range from 100,000 to 120,000 naira only. They also have low susceptibility to diseases and do not require high investment in medications.

To start you need a colony of grasscutters consisting of one male and four females. The gestation period of the pregnant animal is 154 days making it possible for them to litter (give birth) twice a year with an average of four (4) grasscuttlings per female per litter. Your returns on investment in grasscutter farming is therefore high.

What do you need to start?

To start your own grasscutter farm right away there in your apartment or backyard, you need:

1. Knowledge (amply provided in our guide to grasscutter farming manual)

2. A cage suitable for their rearing (constructed by a welder or carpenter or both)

3. A breeding stock or grasscutter colony (comprising one male and four females)

This manual is detailed and covers everything you need from housing to feeding to.and health care.

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