Detailed Explanation of Methods for Measuring the Milk Yield of Doe Rabbits

In does with a high milk yield, the mammary glands are noticeably more prominent than the body surface. Looking at the kits, after suckling their bellies are swollen like a ball, the skin is glossy, they burrow into the bedding straw and fur, and they urinate normally and sleep quietly. If the doe's milk is insufficient, the kits suckle little and feel hungry; they crawl along the nest box, their stomachs are not full, the skin is dry and lusterless with wrinkles, and when touched with the hand, the kits raise their heads upward searching for milk and make "squeaking" cries.

The milk yield of a doe can also be measured, as follows: first remove the kits from the cage, weigh the doe before nursing, then weigh the doe again after nursing; the difference between the two figures is the milk yield.