To ensure successful breeding and healthy development of rabbits, it's essential to select high-quality males and females with specific traits. Male rabbits should be well-proportioned, physically strong, have a strong sexual drive, and show good reproductive performance. They must also exhibit species-specific physical characteristics, genetic stability, and resistance to common diseases. Female rabbits, on the other hand, should have well-developed genitalia, at least four pairs of functional nipples, regular estrus cycles, high fertility rates, and sufficient milk production.
Male rabbits should be raised in an environment that promotes moderate activity and adequate nutrition. A daily diet of 80-100 grams of concentrated feed combined with 1 kg of fresh green forage is recommended. Regular exercise and exposure to sunlight are also important for their overall health. The feed formula for males includes corn (53.5%), wheat bran (25%), soybean meal (20%), bone meal (1%), salt (0.5%), and a vitamin premix (0.02%).
For female rabbits, feeding should prioritize grass first, with 4-6 meals per day. During pregnancy, they should be fed full-ration feed, while lactating does require more frequent feeding and additional nutrients like green forage, soybean meal, and fishmeal. It’s crucial to avoid disturbing the females and to prevent access by predators such as cats or dogs. An empty doe’s feed formula consists of 30% wheat bran, 10.8% corn, 18% soybean cake, 40% grass powder, 1% bone meal, and 0.2% salt.
Artificial breeding can be used when females do not show signs of estrus. This involves administering 50-100 units of chorionic gonadotropin into the muscle of the female rabbit. After 4-6 hours, the female is placed in a male’s cage to encourage natural mating behavior. If no estrus is observed, the process can be repeated the next day.
Timing of mating is critical. The saying “pink early, black later, and red at the time†helps determine the best moment for mating. A female can mate with two different males during her estrus cycle or be mated every 8 hours with the same male to improve fertility. Mating is most effective in the early morning. After mating, gently tapping the female’s back helps prevent semen loss and increases conception success.
Seven days after mating, the female is placed in the male’s cage again. If she refuses, she is likely pregnant. Otherwise, she may need a second round of artificial stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin or a male rabbit can be used to re-stimulate her.
After birth, newborns should be cleaned with a soft towel and placed in a warm litter box. Colostrum intake is vital within the first 6-10 hours. A solution of licorice water (containing brown sugar, glucose, and antibiotics) is given to each pup via dropper for five days to aid digestion and meconium passage. At 15 days old, they begin eating tender grass and leaves, then gradually transition to wheat bran and soybean residue at 22 days. By 30 days, they are ready for compound feed (corn 57%, wheat bran 23%, soybean meal 4%, vegetable cake 4%, silkworm pupae 10%, bone meal 1.5%, salt 0.5%). Weaning typically occurs between 40-45 days.
Maintaining a quiet, stable environment is key. Lighting should be dim to reduce stress. During spring, when disease outbreaks are common, strict hygiene and preventive measures are necessary. Cages and equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected using sodium hydroxide, potassium permanganate, or disinfectant solutions. Adding medications like chlorpheniramine and avermectin to feed can help prevent coccidiosis. Nursing mothers should be given herbal supplements like orange leaves and dandelion to avoid mastitis.
Newly introduced rabbits must be quarantined for three weeks to ensure they are disease-free before joining the group. Vaccinations against Pasteurella should be administered on schedule. Any sick rabbit must be isolated immediately and thoroughly disinfected to prevent the spread of illness.
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