GRASSCUTTER PRODUCTION

Grasscutter farming in Africa is highly lucrative. Most businesses make at least N3million annually. With 95% of Grasscutter food being grass and cassava, it is one of the cheapest form of animal production available.


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About this Course


Grasscutters are rodents widely found in grasslands, clearings, wet or marshy areas in Africa. They are more commonly known as “hedgehogs” in Central Africa, “agouti” in French-speaking West Africa, and “cane rats” in English-speaking West Africa. Although widely hunted, grasscutters can also be domesticated. Cane rat meat popularly called bush meat is highly acceptable in Nigeria. There is no restriction to its consumption.

Grasscutters are placid animals and relatively prolific, becoming sexually mature and able to reproduce at around five to six months, and producing litters of up to twelve young. Because they are easy to rear, their production offers an alternative to poaching bush meat. Grasscutters can grow quickly in intensive conditions, and their meat is high in protein and value.

Thryonomys species are intensively hunted as an important source of protein throughout their range. It is estimated that in West Africa, 80 million are harvested annually, equalling 300,000 metric tons of meat. To increase meat availability, Thryonomys species have been domesticated and currently efforts are being made to expand the industry. Greater cane rats are preferred over lesser cane rat because of their larger body size, however it has been suggested that both species should be reared as part of the industry. Thryonomys species meat has more protein than chicken, rabbit and guinea pig and lower fat than pork, beef and lamb.
 
The meat of grasscutter fetches higher price than meat of domestic animals. Grasscutter is a good source of animal protein of high biological value. Cane rat meat has good nutritional qualities: high quality protein, low fat, high dressing percentage and a unique taste.

 

What you will learn:

 

  • Knowledge of breeds of grasscutter and their characteristic behaviour.
  • Knowledge and skills to construct house for grasscutter production.
  • Knowledge on reproduction of grasscutter.
  • How to prevent and control diseases in grasscutter.
  • Starting and running a lucrative grasscutter business
Course CodeTES/OC/0011
Course Start DateStarted
Course Duration3 Months
Dedication2 hours per week
Number of Modules5
LevelBasic
CategoryTheoella Enterprise Skill Acquisition
LanguageEnglish
Video/Audio MediaAudio & Video
Course Fee0.00

  Naira (₦)      US Dollar ($)    



Certificate of Proficiency


A Certificate of Proficiency is awarded to you at successful completion of courses designed to prepare you for a new career or enhance your skill set. This empowers you to be more productive and marketable in today's global market.


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Associated Programs


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UNN Online Program

Animal Husbandry

This program offers a certificate in Animal Husbandry with a focus on Poultry Farming , Fish Farming, Goat & Sheep Farming, Snail Production, Pig Production, Grasscutter Production, Beekeeping and general entrepreneurial skill.

Program Courses: 7



Course Prerequisites / Requirements



This course has no strict requirements. Anyone is qualified to take this course so long as the student is familiar with taking online courses on the platform. Once registered in this course, you will be required to complete activities such as assignments or quiz in order to proceed. The course has been structured in a way to promote ease of understanding. You must be dedicated in this course; you should spend at least an average of 2 hours per day on this course.