What are the points to note in the feeding and management of breeding bucks for meat rabbits

The management of breeding bucks for meat rabbits should note the following points:

① Breeding bucks and does kept for breeding should generally be raised in separate cages, one rabbit per cage, at 3—3.5 months of age, to prevent early mating, indiscriminate mating, and fighting with each other.

② Young bucks should be first mated at the appropriate time. The bodies of young bucks are not yet fully developed, and first mating too early or too late will both affect libido and reduce mating ability. Usually, the first mating age for large-breed breeding rabbits is 7—8 months, with a body weight of 5—6 kg; medium-breed breeding rabbits at 6—7 months, with a body weight of 4—5 kg; small-breed breeding rabbits at 4—5 months, with a body weight of 2—2.5 kg before they can take part in mating. Generally, mating once a day is suitable, with one day of rest after 4—5 consecutive days. For young breeding bucks being mated for the first time, mate once a day, then rest one day after 2—3 consecutive days of mating; for adult breeding bucks, mate once a day, then rest one day after 3—4 consecutive days, with a maximum of 2 matings per day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon, then rest one day after 2 consecutive days. Do not mate or collect semen within half an hour before or after feeding. Using them too many times affects semen quality and service life; on the contrary, if a breeding buck is left idle without mating for a long time or is mated very seldom, it cannot receive stimulation from the opposite sex in time, and the buck's libido will be inhibited and the mating effect reduced, so an appropriate intensity of use should be maintained.

③ Breeding bucks should preferably be kept one rabbit per cage to prevent injuries from fighting. Buck cages should be kept at a certain distance from doe cages to avoid stimulation from the opposite sex and effects on the buck's libido.

④ The cages and housing of breeding bucks should be kept clean and dry, and should be frequently swept, washed, and disinfected. Because the buck cage is the place for mating, unclean conditions during mating often cause some reproductive organ diseases.

⑤ Breeding bucks can be let out of the cage or move outside the housing for 1—2 hours each day, so they can get more sunlight and strengthen their physique. Regular sun exposure has a good effect on preventing coccidiosis and rickets. However, when exercising in summer, do not place breeding bucks in direct sunlight, because direct light can cause overheating, a rise in body temperature, and easily lead to fainting, cerebral congestion, sunstroke, and so on.

⑥ Breeding bucks have a relatively poor physique during the molting period, so it is best not to have them take part in mating.

⑦ The housing for breeding bucks should be kept at 10°C-20°C; too hot or too cold has adverse effects on the buck's sexual function and semen quality.

⑧ During the mating period, health checks on breeding bucks should be strengthened. If loss of appetite, abnormal feces, or listlessness is found, mating should be stopped immediately and prevention and control measures taken. Regularly check the reproductive organs; if inflammation or other diseases are found, treat them promptly