Factors Affecting Autumn Rabbit Breeding Challenges

Influences on Rabbit Breeding and Key Points to Consider

1. Seasonal Influences. The beginning of autumn marks a period when does are just recovering from the heat of summer and entering the molting phase. During this time, does are physically weak and require additional nutrition for molting, which can negatively impact breeding. Solution: Enhance the diet of rabbits by adding a moderate amount of sulfate or methionine to promote molting. For meat rabbits, increasing the intake of mink feed can accelerate the molting process.

2. Management Factors. Many rabbit farms cease breeding during the summer but fail to adjust the rabbits' diet, leading to obesity and breeding issues. Solution: Strictly manage the rabbits' diet to maintain a healthy weight. For overweight rabbits, reduce feeding and increase exercise to aid in weight loss.

3. Environmental Factors. Shorter daylight hours in autumn and winter can affect rabbit breeding. To address this, owners should provide artificial lighting during periods of limited daylight, aiming for at least 12 hours of light per day for rabbits.

4. Nutritional Factors. Consuming moldy feed or a deficiency in vitamins A and E can impact breeding. Therefore, it is crucial for owners to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet for rabbits.

5. Selective Breeding and Pairing. Owners must manage the breeding stock carefully, promptly removing older and inferior rabbits and replacing them with highquality young stock. Additionally, it is essential to avoid inbreeding and encourage exercise to strengthen the rabbits' constitution.

6. Understanding Estrous Cycles. The highest breeding success rate occurs during the mid estrous phase of does. Owners should arrange breeding when the vulva is red, swollen, and moist. It is best to schedule breeding in the morning or evening, preferably after 8 PM. The rabbit rebreeding method can also be employed to increase the chances of conception and offspring numbers.

7. Strict Disease Prevention and Control. Rabbits are prone to infectious rhinitis and dysentery during autumn. Owners must take precautions to prevent these common diseases.

With these insights, we hope to have provided a clearer and more precise guide to the factors influencing rabbit breeding and the key points to consider for successful breeding practices.