Key Management Tips for Breeding Buck Rabbits

Effective Management and Care of Breeding Boars

1. Managing the Breeding Boar's Weight

The value of a breeding boar lies in its ability to pass on desirable traits to its offspring. Controlling the boar's body size is crucial, as it directly impacts their breeding capabilities. A larger boar is more prone to foot dermatitis, and their laziness, dullness, and reduced breeding ability are also concerns. Additionally, larger boars require more nutrients, making them less economical and shortening their productive lifespan.

Controlling a breeding boar's weight is a highly technical task. It begins during the selection and后备 period, and throughout the breeding season, it's essential to limit their feed intake and prevent freechoice feeding. However, it's important to avoid poortasting, highmoisture, or indigestible feeds. Energyrich feeds, such as corn, should be carefully monitored, as excessive consumption can lead to obesity, decreased libido, and poor semen quality, ultimately affecting breeding success. The correct feeding management involves ensuring highquality feed and controlling the amount to about 80% of their full capacity. During the boar's rest period, their diet should be adjusted to prevent weight gain.

2. Timing the First Breeding of the Boar

Breeding boars too early can hinder their physical development and negatively impact the quality of their offspring. By the age of three months, boars should be housed individually. They are ready for breeding at around 6 to 7 months of age, provided they weigh at least 80% of the adult weight of their breed. Generally, the sperm quality of boars peaks at two years of age. The productive lifespan of a boar is typically 2.5 to 3 years, but with highquality care, it can extend to 4 years. As they age, their libido, semen quality, and breeding ability decline, necessitating the timely culling of older boars and the introduction of new breeding stock.

3. Providing an Ideal Living Environment

Breeding boars require special attention. They should be provided with an ideal living environment and adequate space for movement, while avoiding stressors. They are sensitive to temperature and humidity, thriving in a range of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperatures can affect their appetite and libido, even leading to a reluctance to mate in males and lack of estrus in females. Therefore, proper heating and cooling systems should be in place in the pen, and humidity and temperature should be adjusted according to the weather and season.

4. Strict Disease Prevention and Control Measures

Besides general disease prevention, special attention must be given to the treatment of reproductive organ diseases in boars, including penile, testicular, or epididymal infections. Boars with such conditions should be treated promptly or culled to prevent the spread of disease.

These are the key points for managing breeding boars shared by Oxygen Pet Doctor, hoping they will be helpful to you!