7 Strategies for Rapid Meat Rabbit Breeding Success
Strategies for Rapid Weight Gain in Meat Rabbits:
1. Careful Management of Kits and Does. The owner should regularly observe if the kits are wellfed. If the doe has a large litter and insufficient milk, it is advisable to arrange for some kits to be fostered. For does with weak maternal instincts, artificial feeding should be provided to ensure the kits are wellnourished and have a good rest.
2. Timely Supplementary Feeding. Generally, after 20 days of lactation, the milk production of the doe begins to decline, making it difficult to solely rely on milk to meet the nutritional needs of the kits. Therefore, it is recommended to start supplementary feeding for the kits around 18 days old. At this stage, feed the kits with highnutrient and easily digestible feed, aiming for a highquality mixed feed with 18% to 20% crude protein and 7% crude fiber content. Allow the kits to eat freely. Additionally, focus on preventing coccidiosis at this time.
3. Rational and Scientific Feeding. Substances are the foundation for the growth and development of rabbits. Whether feeding hay, forage, or supplements, it is essential to consider a balanced diet and easy digestion.
4. Provide Adequate Water When Feeding Dry Feed. Feeding dry feed aids in the full digestion and absorption of nutrients and helps wear down the rabbit's teeth. However, rabbits consuming dry feed may become dehydrated, as water is a carrier for nutrient metabolism in rabbits. Dehydration can lead to decreased appetite, constipation, and even death. Therefore, when feeding dry feed, ensure rabbits have access to plenty of water and encourage them to drink actively. On average, an adult rabbit requires about 320 to 350 ml of water per kilogram per day.
5. Adjust Feeding Quantities Appropriately. Rabbits are in the early fattening stage at 60 days old, when their digestive systems are developing but they have a tendency to overeat. It is crucial to control the amount of feed provided, with an average of 40 to 60 grams of mixed feed per young rabbit per day, along with a moderate amount of fresh grass. For rabbits between 60 and 120 days old, which is the late fattening stage, all organs are fully developed, and their digestive and selfregulatory abilities are strong. This is also the peak growth period for rabbits, so it is necessary to increase feeding quantities and provide sufficient night feed and water.
6. Maintain Appropriate Stocking Density. High stocking density can severely affect the growth and development of rabbits. A reasonable density can stimulate rabbits to eat more actively. However, excessive density can have the opposite effect. For a 70 cm x 50 cm rabbit cage, a density of 6 rabbits per cage in the early stage and 4 rabbits per cage in the late stage is recommended.
Caution from Oxygen Pet Doctor: Diseases are the archnemesis of the rabbit breeding industry. In addition to the above management practices, it is essential to strengthen disease prevention to reduce the incidence of illness in rabbits.
