Influence Factors on Doe Estrus: A Comprehensive Overvi

Factors Influencing the Estrus Cycle in Female Rabbits

1. Physiological Factors: The estrus cycle of a female rabbit is subject to changes in the morphological and functional state of its ovaries. Based on the ovarian structure and function, the estrus cycle can be broadly divided into the follicular phase and the corpus luteum phase. The alternation and recurrence of these phases create an endless cycle within the rabbit's estrus cycle.

During the follicular phase, the ovarian epithelial cells of the female rabbit secrete estrogen, which promotes the development of reproductive organs and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, as well as stimulates the rabbit's libido. However, female rabbits do not ovulate during estrus and require physical stimulation to do so. It's not just the male rabbit mounting the female that can trigger ovulation; other female rabbits mounting a female in heat can also induce ovulation.

After ovulation, the corpus luteum forms, marking the corpus luteum phase, which is a relatively stable period. During this time, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which helps maintain hormonal balance in the blood to inhibit the development of follicles. If the rabbit is not fertilized, the corpus luteum is dissolved by the uterus' secretion of prostaglandins within 3 to 5 days, and the level of progesterone rapidly decreases, initiating the follicular phase anew and restarting the cycle of estrus, with the follicular and corpus luteum phases continually repeating.

2. Seasonal Influences: The female rabbit's estrus activity is also subject to cyclic changes due to seasonal variations and differences in daylight hours. In spring, as daylight hours increase, the rabbit's sexual activity also intensifies. Around the spring equinox, when daylight hours reach 12 hours, the estrus rate peaks for the year. During this period, the female rabbit's estrus exhibits the following characteristics: shorter estrus cycles and higher pregnancy rates. By late June, as daylight hours begin to shorten, so does the rabbit's sexual activity, and by late December, the estrus rate is at its lowest for the year, with longer estrus cycles, less obvious estrus symptoms, and lower pregnancy rates.

Additionally, the rabbit's sexual activity is also affected by weather conditions. On sunny days, the rabbit's estrus is more pronounced, with a stronger libido and higher success rates in mating. However, on rainy or snowy days, the rabbit's libido and mating success are significantly reduced.

3. Feed Factors: The quality of the rabbit's diet also has a significant impact on its sexual activity. A lack of fresh green feed can lead to a near absence of estrus behavior in female rabbits, and even when mating occurs, the pregnancy rate is low. Conversely, when fresh green feed is abundant, the female rabbit's estrus cycle becomes more regular. Typically, during March and April, when fresh green feed is plentiful, the rabbit's nutritional value is higher, which may explain why the estrus and pregnancy rates during this period can reach over 80%.

4. Mechanical Stimulation: When kept alone, female rabbits may not show obvious estrus behavior due to the lack of external stimulation. In a group setting, rabbits can engage in chasing and mounting behaviors with other rabbits, both samesex and oppositesex, which can make the female rabbit's estrus behavior more pronounced and enhance her libido.

That concludes our discussion on the factors influencing the estrus cycle in female rabbits. We hope this information has been helpful to you!