Key Technical Points for the Feeding and Management of Weaned Young Rabbits

1. Wean at the proper time.

Under good feeding and management conditions, young rabbits can be weaned when they are 28-42 days old and weigh more than 750 grams. Weaning too early will affect the growth and development of the young rabbits. However, weaning too late is also not conducive to the doe regaining body condition, and it affects the doe's next breeding cycle. Therefore, the appropriate weaning time should be decided according to the breed of the young rabbits, their growth condition, and the body condition of the doe. Generally speaking, young rabbits of meat rabbit breeds can be weaned at 28-35 days of age, while young rabbits of wool rabbit and Rex rabbit breeds can be weaned at 35-42 days of age.

2. Strengthen nutrition.

Weaned young rabbits should be fed more pelleted feed that is nutritionally complete and easy to digest, and less green feed with excessive moisture and coarse, hard feed. The protein in the diet should reach 16%-18%. The feeding principle is small, frequent meals, feeding 4-5 times a day.

3. Prevent and treat coccidiosis.

From around weaning to 3 months of age is the outbreak stage of coccidiosis. It poses the greatest threat to young rabbits. The mortality rate of coccidiosis is as high as more than 80%. Therefore, drugs that resist coccidia, prevent enteritis, and promote growth must be added to the feed, such as diclazuril, diaveridine, and other drugs.