Correct methods for using stud male raccoon dogs during the breeding period

In early spring, in February, raccoon dogs raised in backyard farms in the eastern Hebei region enter the breeding period. How to effectively use stud male raccoon dogs and get them to successfully participate in mating has become a topic of concern for farmers. When using stud male raccoon dogs, the following points need attention.

1. Testing for estrus. Most multiparous female raccoon dogs show obvious signs of estrus, but some females kept as breeding stock in the current year show no obvious signs of estrus, and new farmers may miss mating with even a slight lapse of attention, so stud male raccoon dogs need to be used for irregular testing to confirm estrus. When testing for estrus, choose a male raccoon dog with a gentle temperament, preferably one with mating experience, and put it into the female's cage to chase and entice her; some farmers instead take both the male and female out and put them into a fenced net enclosure, or put the female into the male's cage; the mating area can be determined according to the farm environment and personal farming experience. During estrus, most females are gentle, while males are especially sensitive and active; most farmers believe that keeping the male in its own den can effectively reduce stress in the male and avoid suppressing his libido.

2. Mating and frequency. Farmers generally keep breeding stock at a ratio of 1:3 males to females. A male kept in the current year and participating in mating for the first time can be mated with multiparous females at peak estrus, so as to achieve a smooth success on the first mating. It is recommended to mate once a day, with 3 days of mating followed by 1 day of rest. Female raccoon dogs are induced ovulators; after each female's first mating, two male raccoon dogs need to be alternated for mating, once a day for 3 consecutive days. Some farmers have stud males that come into estrus late or cannot participate in mating for other reasons, so the number of effective males is small; as the weather gradually warms, the estrus period of females also tends to become concentrated, increasing the mating workload of the males. Continuous work by males makes it impossible to guarantee mating quality and is not advisable. Some stud males are the skillful type and have a high mating success rate; such males should be used even more effectively, and can be mated with females that are bad-tempered or show no obvious estrus, and it is recommended to continue keeping them as breeding stock for use again the following year. Generally, stud males with good coat color, large body size, and skill can be kept as breeding stock for 4-6 consecutive years.

3. Nutrition. During the mating stage, stud male raccoon dogs expend enormous physical energy, and their appetite declines or they even stop eating. To maintain the male's body condition, highly palatable high-protein supplementary food needs to be added. Mate in the morning and evening on an empty stomach; after successful mating, provide drinking water and feed one egg, raw or cooked; add goat milk, minced chicken liver, chicken heads, and lean pork. One hour later, reduce the feed and give thin food. In addition, during the mating period, both male and female raccoon dogs need to continue to be given vitamin E tablets or capsules, and females should be supplemented with vitamin C, cod liver oil, and so on.

Yang Yanhuan