Optimal Rabbit Breeding Schedule for Scientific Reprodu

Section 1: Key Points for Rabbit Breeding Breeding Season

1. Spring and Autumn

Spring and autumn offer the most favorable conditions for rabbit breeding due to their temperate and dry climates. During these seasons, rabbits exhibit heightened sexual desire, and sows have higher fertility rates, resulting in more offspring and higher survival rates among the young. Therefore, these seasons are ideal for breeding. Breeders should focus on managing breeding efforts during this period. Many breeders opt for blood breeding during these times, adjusting the sow's condition after she has given birth to 2 to 3 litters.

2. Summer

Summer's heat can be detrimental to rabbits, especially when temperatures exceed 30℃. Hence, it's advisable to cease breeding activities from June to the middle of July. However, if the sows are robust and the housing is equipped with adequate cooling measures, breeding can be arranged during these months.

3. Winter

Winter brings cold temperatures that weaken the rabbits' constitutions and reduce fertility rates. Without proper heating in the rabbitry, newborn kits are at risk of freezing. If winter breeding is necessary, it's crucial to provide sows with nutrientrich feed to maintain their health and implement effective insulation. The ideal temperature in the shed should be kept above 15℃.

Section 2: Key Points for Rabbit Breeding Timing of Breeding

1. Scientifically Arrange Breeding Based on the Sow's Estrus

Rabbits have variable estrus cycles, typically ranging from 8 to 15 days, with the estrus phase lasting about 3 days. Signs of estrus include restlessness, decreased appetite, pawtapping, nestbuilding behavior, and a moist, reddened vulva. Estrus is divided into early, middle, and late stages, which can be identified by observing changes in the vulva. The best breeding time is during the middle to late estrus phase, when the vulva is purpleblack and swollen.

2. Determining the Breeding Period for Rabbits

By placing the sow in the boar's cage, if the boar mounts the sow and she assumes a breeding posture, it indicates that she is in estrus and ready for breeding. The breeding time for sows can be determined as follows:

(i) Artificial Insemination Breeding Period

Rabbits are stimulatory ovulators, meaning they do not ovulate spontaneously without mating or medication. Therefore, it is essential to stimulate ovulation before artificial insemination. This can be achieved by injecting reproductive hormones to stimulate ovulation, which results in the highest fertility rates within 2 to 8 hours poststimulation. To maximize fertility, it is best to stimulate ovulation during the peak estrus phase.

(ii) Appropriate Breeding Time

During spring and autumn, breeding should ideally be scheduled between 8 and 10 AM. In summer, breeding is best done during the cooler morning or evening hours. In winter, the midday, when it's slightly warmer, is the most suitable time for breeding.

Remember, rabbit breeders should avoid breeding within one hour before or after feeding.