Detailed Explanation of Key Points of Winter Breeding Techniques for Domestic Rabbits

     Doing a good job of winter breeding of domestic rabbits is an important measure for improving the reproductive capacity of domestic rabbits. So, how can winter breeding of domestic rabbits be done well?
       Select good breeding rabbits. For breeding rabbits used for winter breeding, the breeding male rabbit should be 8-10 months old and weigh more than 3.5 kg; the breeding female rabbit should be 6-8 months old and weigh more than 3 kg. The breeding male rabbit is required to have a full appearance, a long body, a flat back, agile movements, normal appetite, sturdy limbs, glossy fur, good development, strong sexual desire, and good semen quality; the breeding female rabbit is required to have a strong physique, a gentle temperament, good reproductive organs, no contaminants around the anus and vulva, normal estrus, no fewer than 4 pairs of teats, the ability to carry straw in her mouth and pull fur to make a nest, the ability to nurse, and to give birth to many young with good constitutions.
       Do a good job at the mating stage. Winter mating should be carried out at noon on sunny days after the 10th lunar month. In addition, because 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset in winter are also periods of vigorous sexual function activity in domestic rabbits, mating can also be carried out at these times. After the breeding rabbits mate, immediately pat the female rabbit on the rump with your hand to stimulate contraction of the hindquarters and improve the conception rate. At the same time, the "double mating method" can be used, that is, mating with one male rabbit in the morning and another male rabbit in the evening; or the "repeat mating method," that is, mating with one male rabbit in the morning and still using this male rabbit in the evening, so that the female rabbit gives birth to more young rabbits.
       Do a good job of cold protection and heat preservation in the rabbit house. The rabbit house must be built in a place sheltered from the wind, facing the sun, and warm, and the temperature should be controlled above 10°C, and at the lowest must not be lower than 5°C. During the breeding period, straw curtains should be hung at the entrance of the rabbit house, and soft grass should be spread inside. When the weather is warm, domestic rabbits can be let out of the house to move around and receive light. Absolutely do not light a fire inside the rabbit house, to prevent gas poisoning or trigger respiratory diseases. Plant ash or quicklime can also be scattered inside the rabbit house to prevent moisture.
       Strengthen feed nutrition. In winter, in the daily ration of pregnant female rabbits, green feed such as wild vegetables, cabbage leaves, and carrots must not be less than 30%, and various feed ingredients such as wheat bran, rice bran, soybean cake, fish meal, and bone meal should also be included. After each feeding of the rabbits, more drinking water should be supplied, and it is strictly forbidden to feed vegetables, grass, and other items that are covered with soil, moldy and spoiled, or frostbitten.
       Carefully manage and protect the young rabbits. After the female rabbit gives birth to the young rabbits, feed some brown sugar water and salt water to prevent her from becoming thirsty and eating the young rabbits. In winter, the young rabbits should be nursed for a few more days to strengthen their constitution and resist severe cold. When the young rabbits reach 16-19 days of age, they can begin to try eating feed. At first, a small amount of soybean milk and rice soup can be fed, and after a few days add wheat flour and soybean residue. After another 6-7 days, mineral feed can be mixed in, and some carrots and other items can be fed appropriately. The young rabbits should be fed 4-5 times a day, with one additional feeding at night. Young rabbits should be allowed to move more and bask in the sun more to improve the survival rate.
       Do a good job of disease prevention and control. In winter, in addition to preventing domestic rabbits from catching cold and freezing, they should also often be fed garlic, ginger, yeast tablets, and other items to prevent the occurrence of diseases. If rabbit disease occurs, immediately isolate the affected rabbits and provide symptomatic treatment to prevent its spread.