Enhance Memory Ingredients,Natural Phosphatidylserine,Anti-Oxidation Phosphatidylserine Powder,Soybean Extract Phosphatidylserine Powder Xi'an XJeson Biotech Co., Ltd , https://www.xjesonbio.com
Measures to increase the survival rate of puppies
Raising the survival rate of puppies is a critical aspect of rabbit farming, directly impacting the economic returns for farmers. Over the past two decades, various practices have been developed and refined in the care of Saibei rabbits to improve puppy survival. Based on these experiences, we have compiled some effective strategies that can be applied by rabbit breeders to enhance the chances of young rabbits thriving.
First, managing foster mothers is essential. It is recommended that each mother rabbit has an average litter size of 5–6 pups. If a litter exceeds 10, it's better to split the litter and use other females to foster the extra puppies. The birth dates of the fostered pups should not differ by more than 2–3 days to ensure similar sizes, which helps prevent weaker pups from being neglected. Female rabbits have a strong sense of smell and can detect if a pup is not theirs. To increase the chances of successful fostering, place the new pups in the nest box with existing ones for about 1–2 hours, or rub them with the mother’s urine or dirt to mask their scent. When the mother is nursing, the scent similarity will help her accept the new pups. The number of fostered pups should not exceed the mother’s capacity, based on the number of nipples and milk production.
In cases where some puppies in the same litter are underdeveloped due to limited access to milk, they can be trained to nurse individually or fed artificially. Artificial feeding involves using a 5–10 ml glass syringe or eye dropper, fitted with a bicycle valve core to create a feeding tube. Before use, the equipment must be sterilized, and cleaned thoroughly after each use. The milk should be diluted initially—cow or goat milk mixed with 1–1.5 times water at first, then gradually reduced over time. After two weeks, whole milk can be used. The temperature should be kept around 37°C–38°C, and feedings should occur 1–2 times daily. When feeding, hold the pup gently with one hand and use the other to guide the tube into its mouth. Gently press the tube if the pup struggles to suck, but avoid applying too much pressure to prevent aspiration. A small amount of salt can be added to the milk for better nutrition.
It’s important to feed the pups just enough to fill their stomachs without making the milk too thick, as this can cause digestive issues.
Second, ensuring timely colostrum intake is crucial. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies, helping the pups expel meconium. If a mother doesn’t feed her pups within 4–5 hours after birth, artificial assistance is necessary. This involves holding the mother on her back, exposing the nipples, and guiding the pups to feed. Assistance may be needed for 1–2 times a day until the mother becomes accustomed to nursing. Another method is placing the mother in the nest box and gently supporting her back so the pups can feed safely under her belly, avoiding accidental trampling.
Third, maintaining proper warmth for newborns is vital. Newborn rabbits have no fur and are highly sensitive to temperature changes. In colder seasons, especially in northern regions, insulation is key. Use dry straw in the nest box, cover with warm rabbit hair, and keep the area dry. In southern areas, close windows, use curtains, block wind tunnels, or install plastic sheets to maintain warmth. A dedicated nursery room can be set up, separating the mothers from their litters. A small flap door allows the pups to access the mother for feeding while keeping them safe in the nursery. Outdoor cages should have easy-to-check doors for regular monitoring. These measures significantly improve the health and survival of young rabbits.