To ensure successful breeding and healthy development of rabbits, it's essential to select high-quality individuals. Male rabbits should exhibit robust physical growth, balanced proportions, strong sexual drive, and a body structure that meets breed standards. They must also demonstrate hereditary stability, disease resistance, and good overall health. Female rabbits need well-developed genitalia, at least four pairs of functional nipples, regular estrus cycles, high fertility, and sufficient milk production.
Male rabbits should be kept in a calm environment and fed a nutritious diet. A daily intake of 80–100 grams of concentrated feed and 1 kg of fresh green feed is recommended. Regular exercise and sun exposure are important for their health. The feed formula includes corn (53.5%), bran (25%), soybean meal (20%), bone meal (1%), salt (0.5%), and a vitamin premix (0.02%).
For female rabbits, the feeding strategy should prioritize grass first, with 4–6 meals per day. During pregnancy, full-nutrient feed is essential, and during lactation, more green, juicy, and protein-rich feeds like soybean meal and fishmeal should be provided. Avoid disturbing the females and protect them from predators like cats and dogs. The empty doe feed formula consists of wheat bran (30%), corn (10.8%), soybean meal (18%), grass powder (40%), bone meal (1%), and salt (0.2%).
Artificial breeding can be used when females fail to show estrus. Healthy females with normal genitalia and previous estrus cycles are suitable candidates. A common method involves injecting 50–100 units of chorionic gonadotropin into the female’s muscle, followed by placing her in a male rabbit’s cage after 4–6 hours. This stimulates estrus through natural mating behavior.
Mating should occur based on the female’s vaginal condition: pink early, black later, and red at the time of breeding. A female can mate with two different males or the same male every 8 hours to improve fertility. Mating is best done in the morning, and after mating, gently lift and tap the female to prevent semen leakage, increasing conception rates.
After mating, place the female in the male’s cage 7 days later. If she refuses, she is likely pregnant. Otherwise, administer 50–100 IU of hCG and re-mate after 4–6 hours. Alternatively, use males to tease the females and stimulate estrus.
Once born, quickly clean the puppies’ mouth and nose with a soft towel and place them in a warm litter box. Allow them to nurse colostrum within 6–10 hours. Administer a solution of licorice water mixed with brown sugar, glucose, and antibiotics via dropper—0.5% licorice, 0.05–0.06 g of poultry trane per 5 ml. Feed 5 ml daily for five days to help pass meconium.
At 15 days old, introduce tender grass and vegetable leaves. At 22 days, start with wheat bran and soybean residue. By 30 days, transition to compound feed containing corn (57%), wheat bran (23%), soybean meal (4%), vegetable cake (4%), silkworm pupae (10%), bone meal (1.5%), and salt (0.5%). Weaning occurs at 40–45 days.
Maintain a quiet, dimly lit environment to reduce stress. In spring, when disease outbreaks are common, strict hygiene is crucial. Clean cages and utensils regularly, using 20% sodium hydroxide and 0.1–0.5% potassium permanganate for disinfection. Use 2–3% Suer liquid for floor cleaning. Add coccidiostats like chlorpheniramine and avermectin to feed to prevent infections. Include medicinal plants like orange leaves and dandelion in the mother’s diet to prevent mastitis.
All new rabbits should be quarantined for three weeks before joining the group. Vaccinate against Pasteurella in spring. Monitor the herd closely, isolate sick animals immediately, and disinfect thoroughly to prevent disease spread.
IVD Analyzers
Ivd Analyzers,Hemoglobin Analyzer Ivd,Ivd Automatic Electrolyte Analyzer,Ivd Immunofluorescence Analyzer
Bioantibody Biotechnology Co., Ltd. , https://www.bioantibodymedical.com