Optimal Rabbit Farming: Essential Management Techniques

I. The Process of Rabbit Breeding

1. Age of Sexual Maturity and Optimal Breeding Age:

Small breed female rabbits typically reach sexual maturity at 34 months and are ready for their first mating at 56 months.

Medium breed female rabbits mature at around 45 months and should be bred for the first time between 67 months.

Large breed female rabbits become sexually mature at about 56 months and are ready for breeding at 78 months of age.

2. Male to Female Ratio:

In natural mating, the ratio is generally 1:48 (for large rabbits, the ratio is 1:4, meaning one male to four females; for medium rabbits, it's 1:68), while artificial insemination ratios are 1:80100.

3. Estrus and Breeding Timing:

The estrus cycle in rabbits averages 812 days.

The estrus period usually lasts for about 3 days.

The gestation period is 31 days.

The lactation period spans 30 to 35 days.

Signs of Estrus:

Behavioral changes: Female rabbits may appear restless, have decreased appetite, and may stamp or dig.

Vaginal changes: These occur in three stages:

Initial stage: The vulva becomes slightly moist and swollen, changing from its usual pale color to pink.

Middle stage: The vulva is more moist and swollen, with a deeper red color.

Final stage: The vulva is very moist and swollen, appearing purpleblack. The general characteristic is redness and swelling.

Ideal Breeding Time: The best time for breeding is during the middle to late estrus phase, preferably in the evening, between 711 PM.

Proper Breeding Practices: When breeding, it's recommended to "lead the female to the male," which means bringing the female rabbit to the male's cage for mating, rather than the other way around.

Lifespan for Breeding Rabbits: Male rabbits are typically used for breeding for 23 years, while females can produce up to 2226 litters.

4. Breeding Frequency: It is best for female breeding rabbits to have 67 litters per year.

II. Breeding Rabbit Management Techniques

1. Management of Breeding Bucks:

Breeding bucks should be robust, avoiding obesity or emaciation, and possess strong sexual function.

Their diet should be rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Buck rabbits are best kept in individual cages to prevent fighting and should be kept at a distance from does. The cages should be disinfected regularly.

2. Management of Breeding Does:

Feeding does should include highquality green feed and a moderate amount of concentrate feed, avoiding obesity or underweight conditions, and maintaining a 7080% body condition score.

They should be exposed to adequate light and engage in moderate exercise to stimulate estrus.

During pregnancy, does should be fed with highquality feed, including 100120 grams of mixed concentrated feed to ensure sufficient minerals and vitamins. Extra care is necessary to prevent miscarriage.

The gestation period is 30 days. The cleaned birthing box should be placed in the cage before the due date. The birthing area should be staffed and kept quiet.

After giving birth, fresh water should be provided in abundance. The nursing period for rabbits is about 40 days, during which the doe should be fed easily digestible, nutrientrich food, and provided with ample protein, minerals, vitamins, and water.

It is essential to clean and disinfect the pens and feeding utensils daily, maintaining dry conditions in the pens.

The above is an introduction by Oxygen Pet Doctor to the process of rabbit breeding and the management techniques for breeding rabbits. To ensure successful mating and breeding, it is indeed necessary to learn relevant knowledge!