What to do when a doe has a low conception rate? These methods can effectively improve it

How to improve the conception rate of does generally relies mainly on three methods: repeat mating with the same buck, remating with a different buck, and rational pairing.

Repeat mating with the same buck

After a doe's first mating, an interval is allowed to pass, not exceeding 5 hours, and then she is mated once more with the same buck; this is called repeat mating. This breeding method coincides with the doe ovulating 8 to 12 hours after mating stimulation, raising the conception rate and increasing the number of offspring; this mating method is mostly used in breeding rabbit production.

Remating with a different buck

Using two bucks of different bloodlines at an interval of 5 to 10 minutes (the interval between them not exceeding 30 minutes), the same doe is mated once by each in succession (this method cannot be used for breeding purebred rabbits), which can raise the conception rate; this mating method is mostly used in commercial rabbit production.

Rational pairing

Mating too early should be prevented; generally, it is better to breed when does reach 7 months of age and about 2.5 kg in weight, and bucks reach 9 months of age and about 3 kg in weight. To avoid breed degeneration, inbreeding should be prevented, with no blood relationship within at least 3 generations; pairing prime-age breeding bucks with prime-age breeding does is best for rabbit farming; for specialty farming, the mating frequency of bucks is best once every 2 days, and 1 buck can serve 8 to 10 does; or depending on body condition, mate 3 to 5 times per week, with at least 1 day of rest each week. In addition, it is advisable that the service life of breeding bucks and does not exceed 3 years.