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The physiological characteristics and breeding methods of rabbits
Rabbits play a significant role in mountain grassland farming, offering farmers a profitable opportunity. However, their reproductive physiology differs from that of pigs and cattle. Unlike other livestock, rabbits do not ovulate naturally during estrus; instead, ovulation is triggered by mating stimuli. Without this stimulation, mature eggs in the ovaries may degenerate or shrink. If female rabbits of suitable age are mated over long periods without proper intervals, the accumulation of atrophied eggs can lead to early ovarian decline. Even if breeding is delayed or spaced too far apart, similar issues can occur.
Rabbits are not seasonal breeders, which means they can reproduce throughout the year. Typically, females return to estrus just two days after giving birth. In the absence of pregnancy, they go into heat every 8 to 10 days for about 3 to 5 days. Breeding should be done during this period. After mating, sperm can survive in the female’s reproductive tract for up to 24 hours. Ovulation usually occurs around 10 to 12 hours post-mating, and if the sperm meets the egg, fertilization takes place. Rabbits are polytocous, meaning they can give birth to multiple offspring at once. They also have the unique ability to lactate and gestate simultaneously. However, for the health of both the mother and the kits, it's best to breed rabbits at an appropriate age—around 7 to 8 months—and limit them to five litters per year.
In practice, the greater the difference between the species and age of the male and female rabbits used for breeding, the higher the conception rate and the stronger the offspring tend to be. Crossbreeds often exhibit enhanced vitality, larger size, faster growth, better feed efficiency, and improved disease resistance. Therefore, in rabbit farming, it's recommended to select males and females from different breeds, ages, and backgrounds. A single male can mate 3 to 4 times a day, but this requires increased nutritional support. Breeding should take place in the early morning or evening during summer and at noon in winter. The optimal time for mating is during the middle of the female’s estrus cycle.
During estrus, female rabbits display various behavioral changes. They may appear restless, lose their appetite, or even refuse to eat. They might constantly move around, chew on cage materials, or vocalize occasionally. When examining the vulva, it starts as light red, becomes red and swollen in the middle, and turns purple later. Once the female enters the mid-estrus phase, she can be placed in a separate cage for mating. If the male is brought into the female’s cage, he may take longer to adapt, so it’s better to bring the female to the male’s space instead. A single mating session is usually sufficient for a female to become pregnant. However, if there's any doubt about successful mating, the female can be returned to the male’s cage for further attempts.