Basic Guidelines for Raising Meat Rabbits: A Comprehens

One, Basic Guidelines for Raising Rabbits

1. Feeding Methods

① Freechoice Feeding: This approach allows rabbits to eat at their own pace, provided they have access to a supply of feed and water. It's a common practice in large rabbit farms. The feed typically consists of complete pelleted feed, which not only maximizes the production potential of meat rabbits but also simplifies the feeding process.

② Regular and Quantitative Feeding: It's important to feed rabbits at consistent times and amounts each day to establish good eating habits and stimulate appetite. This method also aids in the digestion and absorption of feed. The general feeding schedule is: adult rabbits 3 to 4 times a day, young rabbits 4 to 5 times, and kits 5 to 6 times. This usually includes 2 meals of concentrate feed and 3 meals of roughage feed. The interval between meals should be based on the rabbit's intestinal emptying cycle.

③ Mixed Feeding: This involves a base of fresh and roughage feeds with freechoice access, supplemented with limited amounts of concentrate or pelleted feed.

Based on production practices and the nutritional needs of rabbits as well as seasonal variations, a feeding plan should be established and maintained consistently. Avoid feeding too early or too late, and ensure that rabbits do not experience hunger or overeating. When feeding, start with hay and then move to the feed to ensure the rabbits are wellnourished and that their food is properly digested. In the process of raising rabbits, control the order of feeding hay to ensure the rabbits eat well and that the feed is fully digested, thus improving feed utilization. According to the activity patterns of rabbits, morning feedings should be early, evening feedings should be late, and midday feedings should be precise.

2. Maintaining a Quiet and Clean Living Environment

Rabbits are easily startled and can become stressed or lose appetite due to minor disturbances. Studies have shown that rabbits aged 3 to 4 months can gain 0.5 to 0.8 kg per month in a quiet environment, whereas those in frequently disturbed environments show little to no weight gain. Therefore, during daily care, it's crucial to approach the rabbit enclosures and groups gently to avoid startling them. Additionally, maintain a quiet living environment for the rabbits and prevent invasions from other animals. The caretakers should also avoid frequent changes in their attire to minimize stress on the rabbits.

Damp and dirty pens can harbor pathogens, leading to disease transmission. It's essential to clean the rabbit pens daily, remove feces promptly, regularly clean feeding utensils, and disinfect the pens to keep them clean and dry.

3. Group Management and Exercise

According to the growth, development, and breeding status of rabbits, owners should manage them in groups based on age, gender, breed, and purpose, such as separating them into male, female, young, and adult groups. Each group should be limited to 15 to 20 rabbits, with a density of 2 to 3 rabbits per square meter. Mixedgroup management without considering gender or age is not advisable as it complicates management and can lead to economic losses. However, after 3 months, young rabbits or selected breeding stock should gradually transition to cage housing, with each cage housing 1 to 2 rabbits as they grow older and larger.

The Rabbit Doctor has outlined the basic guidelines for raising meat rabbits. We hope this information is helpful to everyone!