Key Points of Feeding and Management of Meat Rabbits at Different Stages
Rabbits have relatively strong growth and reproductive abilities. Their growth cycle is short and the input cost is low, so the breeding benefits are relatively high. Therefore, the scale of meat rabbit breeding in our country is also very large now. When raising meat rabbits, we should reasonably adjust the feeding and management methods according to the different growth stages of the meat rabbits. So today, the editor brings you the key points of feeding and management of meat rabbits at each stage. Let's take a look together below!
1. Feeding and Management of Newborn Rabbits
After the newborn rabbits are born, pay attention to observing the milk yield of the doe. If the milk yield is insufficient, then do a good job of artificial assisted feeding. The tool can be a syringe, and the temperature should be controlled at about 37°C. The feeding speed should not be too fast. Generally, within 5 days after birth, the newborn rabbits are mainly fed milk. Combine with a small amount of cod liver oil, salt and other substances. At 5 days, feed some cow's or goat's milk or soy milk. After another 5 days, mix some condensed milk and feed it.
2. Feeding During the Eye-Opening Period
Newborn rabbits open their eyes about two weeks after birth. The period from eye opening to before weaning is the eye-opening period. The eye-opening time of newborn rabbits is directly related to their growth and development. If the eyes of the newborn rabbits are found to be stuck together, then gently clean off the sticky matter. Then during this period, let the newborn rabbits transition to eating feed. But note that the transition should not be too fast; it should be done step by step and not changed suddenly, otherwise the newborn rabbits will not be able to adapt and this will cause death in batches. Therefore, during the eye-opening period, pay attention to doing a good job of supplementary feeding and weaning. After 3 weeks, appropriately add some sterilizing and stomach-strengthening drugs to the feed, which can enhance the physique of the meat rabbits and reduce the incidence of disease.
3. Feeding of Young Rabbits
Young rabbits are newborn rabbits that have been weaned for three months. The growth and development speed of young rabbits is very fast, but their disease resistance is relatively poor, so pay attention to doing a good job of care. Young rabbits should be raised in a warm and dry place, preferably in cages, to ensure the feed is clean and free of pollution. Feed about three times a day with green feed and about two times with concentrated feed. When feeding, feed slightly less at noon, ensure they eat their fill in the morning and evening, control the amount well, and ensure they are full without leaving leftover feed. Adjust the drinking water temperature and feed ratio according to seasonal changes to ensure the growth of young rabbits. Feeding utensils should be disinfected about once every 4 days to avoid bacterial contamination.
4. Feeding of Breeding Rabbits
During the non-pregnant period of the doe, pay attention to letting the doe recover her physique. Prompt the doe to come into heat and mate normally. Then control the body condition well, and appropriately feed some appetite-stimulating and spleen-strengthening drugs. Then increase the proportion of green feed and reduce concentrated feed. In winter and spring, appropriately feed some carrots to promote estrus. Then extend the rest time of the doe. Three weeks before mating, increase the nutritional level of the daily ration. Ensure comprehensive, diverse and balanced nutrition. You can also buy some rabbit-specific feed on the market, and simply pair it with some grass and fruit.
The above is a brief introduction to the feeding and management of meat rabbits at each stage. The feeding and management of meat rabbits is very important. Everyone must pay more attention to ensure the healthy growth of meat rabbits. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!