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The
wild rabbit is a seasonal breeder with the peak of reproductive activity
occurring in the spring and early summer. With domestic rabbits, genetic
selection and environmental control have resulted in frequent sexual activity
with periods of reduced fertility.
Many
breeders experience breeding problems during extremely hot weather when
temperatures exceed 85º Fahrenheit. Research indicates that bucks start to lose
fertility when temperatures exceed 85º F and the loss is extensive (up to 6 months) when temperatures exceed 90º F
. It appears that older bucks are more affected than junior bucks. Bucks are
affected before does, so keep bucks in the coolest part of the
rabbitry. Keep a good supply of young bucks for use during hot weather. Breed
during the cooler portion of the day. Morning is best, but late evening is
acceptable. Also see Herd Reproduction.
A
fall slump is also often noticed. This phenomenon is often the result of
summer’s high temperatures, but can also be related to the natural reluctance
of rabbits to produce young in the fall and early winter. Good records allow
producers to identify these suspect breeders and “cull” them to reduce the
problem. Do not obtain replacements from does with histories of fall breeding
slumps.
Rabbits
release heat through their ears
in the warm months.
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