Scientific Management Methods and Technical Points for Rabbit Fattening

????Fattening Feed

The fattening feed for rabbits should be mainly concentrated feed, supplemented by green feed. If you mix your own compound feed, it should contain 15% fiber, 17% crude protein, and 2.5% fat. The most suitable fattening feeds are corn, barley, soybean dregs, bran, sweet potato, potato, etc., and an appropriate amount of mineral supplement feed such as bone meal, salt, and charcoal must be added.

Castration for Fattening

Castrating male rabbits intended for fattening can improve the fattening effect. Castration is generally performed at 8 to 10 weeks after birth. Castration can increase the fattening effect by 15%, while also reducing feed consumption.

Restricting Movement

During the fattening period, rabbits, especially in the late fattening stage, should have their movement restricted and should not be kept free-range. It is best to confine them in small cages or wooden boxes that only allow them to turn around, placed in a warm, quiet place with dim light to promote weight gain and fat accumulation.

????Small and Frequent Meals

During the fattening period, because of reduced movement and a diet mainly of concentrated feed, rabbits usually show poor appetite. To promote appetite, it is advisable to feed small and frequent meals to increase food intake, and at the same time provide sufficient drinking water to regulate the effects of reduced appetite on feed digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism.

????Careful Management

During the fattening period, rabbits have poor resistance and are prone to illness due to lack of movement and light, so management must be strengthened. Inspect frequently and pay attention to environmental hygiene; rabbit houses and rabbit cages should be cleaned promptly and disinfected regularly; ensure that rabbits during the fattening period can eat their fill, eat well, rest well, and maintain good health. Liu Zhenghua