|
The
rabbit does not show regular estrus cycles: that is, recurring periods of sexual
desire. Ovulation in the female rabbit is induced by mating and occurs
approximately 10 hours after the female is bred. When sexual activity begins,
the follicles on the ovary remain active for 12 to 16 days if the doe is not
fertilized. After this time, they begin to regress and are replaced by new
follicles that begin developing toward the end of the 12 to 16 day period. There
may be a transitional period, during which the new set of follicles is growing
and the old set is regressing, in which the doe lacks interest in the male and
is temporarily infertile.
Breeding
does and replacement does should be housed
in individual pens to reduce injuries from fighting and false pregnancies. These
false pregnancies may result from infertile mating or from sexual excitement
when does “ride” each other in group housing. The duration of pseudo
pregnancy is approximately 17 days. Therefore, does intended for breeding should
be housed separately for at least 18 days prior to intended breeding to insure
they will have passed through this period.
Due
to the fact that sexually active does normally have follicles present on the
ovary, the time of breeding is dictated, to a large degree, by the number of
litters desired per year. The following schedules are used for five to eight
litters a year.
Five
litters/year - 73 day cycle
|
|
Kindle
|
Rebreed
|
Wean
|
Kindle
|
|
#Days
to
|
0
|
42
|
56
|
73
|
Six
litters/year - 61 day cycle
|
|
Kindle
|
Rebreed
|
Wean
|
Kindle
|
|
#Days
to
|
0
|
28
|
42
|
61
|
Seven
litters/year - 52 day cycle
|
|
Kindle
|
Rebreed
|
Wean
|
Kindle
|
|
#Days
to
|
0
|
21
|
35
|
52
|
Eight
litters/year - 45 day cycle
|
|
Kindle
|
Rebreed
|
Wean
|
Kindle
|
|
#Day to
|
0
|
14
|
28
|
45
|
| 
