Key Management Techniques for Early Weaning of Rex Rabbit Kittens
Supplementation of Enzyme Preparations
The digestive enzyme system of kittens is not fully developed, and after weaning they must consume solid plant-based feed entirely, which inevitably places a huge burden on the digestive system. Supplementing exogenous digestive enzymes in large doses can compensate for this congenital deficiency. Generally, attention should be paid to adding protease, cellulase and amylase.
Use of Probiotics
Given the fragility of the intestinal microecosystem of early-weaned kittens, in order to prevent the invasion of harmful microorganisms from outside and the intense proliferation of endogenous harmful microorganisms caused by weaning stress, probiotics should be used at the start of weaning to control the occurrence of digestive tract diseases.
Supply of High-Nutrient Diets
The nutritional value of breast milk is very high, meeting the needs of the rapid growth and development of kittens. After weaning, in order to ensure nutritional supply, a high-nutrient diet should be formulated. Generally, crude protein should reach 22%, and crude fiber 8%-12%, with feed ingredients that are easy to digest selected.
Addition of Vitamins
Microorganisms in the cecum of rabbits can synthesize some vitamins and provide them to the rabbit in the form of soft feces, but the microbial flora in the cecum of early-weaned kittens is not fully developed, and at the same time their intake of their own soft feces is very limited. Combined with the strong stress of weaning, the demand for vitamins far exceeds that during the growing period. Therefore, for early-weaned kittens, vitamin supplementation should be strengthened, especially vitamins A, D, E and compound vitamin B, and vitamin C can be supplemented when necessary.
Fine Management
Provide a suitable environment, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, lighting and sanitary conditions. Carefully observe the performance of kittens after early weaning, and take timely measures when abnormalities are found.
The survival rate of early weaning is closely related to feeding and management. The following aspects are the key points of feeding and management:
1. Reasonable grouping: the method of weaning without leaving the cage should be adopted, that is, the method of removing the mother and keeping the kittens. Keep the kittens in the original cage. Try to keep feed, environment and management unchanged, so as to prevent various adverse stress reactions.
2. Early supplemental feeding: supplemental feeding is mostly done at l6-l7 days, so that the kittens can adapt to the feed in advance and promote the development of their digestive tract. Supply a high-energy, high-protein diet that is comprehensive in nutrition, good in palatability and easy to digest.
3. Feed less and add more frequently: regular supplemental feeding can prevent various diseases induced by overeating in kittens.
4. Avoid sudden changes of feed.
5. Supply sufficient drinking water: a certain amount of probiotics and electrolytic multivitamins can be added to the drinking water.
6. Control the rabbit house environment: pay attention to ventilation, reduce the humidity of the rabbit house, cool down in summer and keep warm in winter.
7. Do a good job in hygiene and disinfection: keep cages and equipment clean, and scrub and disinfect them frequently.
8. Observe frequently: observe the feed intake, drinking, feces and mental state of the kittens every day.
9. Do a good job in immunization after weaning.
10. Attach importance to the prevention of coccidiosis: coccidiosis is the most important disease to prevent after weaning. Under normal circumstances, the time to start prevention begins at 30 days of age. In the case of early weaning, the prevention time should be advanced to the weaning age, otherwise serious consequences will be caused.