Weaning is a critical phase in the development of young rabbits, marking a major physiological transition. Poor management during this period can lead to health issues or even death. Most mortality in young rabbits occurs within the first three weeks after weaning, especially during the first one to two weeks, and the primary cause is often improper weaning practices. A proper weaning strategy should be based on the overall health and physical condition of the rabbits. If the entire litter is well-developed and strong, a single-day weaning—where the mother and kits are separated on the same day—can be effective. However, if the litter shows uneven growth, a staged weaning approach is recommended. This involves separating the stronger, healthier rabbits from the weaker ones, allowing the latter to continue nursing for a few more days before being weaned. Regardless of the method used, it’s essential to follow the principle of “weaning without leaving the nest.†This means keeping the rabbits in their original cage, maintaining consistent feeding, environment, and management practices to reduce stress and prevent complications.
The diet for weaned young rabbits should be nutritionally balanced, easy to digest, and palatable. Diets high in energy but low in protein and fat can be harmful. The crude fiber content should be around 12%, and the amount of succulent or green feed should not be excessive. All feed must be fresh, clean, and properly washed and dried before feeding. Since young rabbits have a strong appetite at this stage, feeding should be controlled with smaller portions given more frequently. Green materials should be provided 3–4 times daily, while fine feed should be offered 2–3 times a day.
After weaning, young rabbits should be grouped by age, health, and sex. Typically, 4–5 rabbits per cage and 20–30 cages per house are suitable, though this may vary depending on the type of rabbit farming.
The environment plays a crucial role after weaning. Young rabbits experience significant changes in their living conditions, and their immune systems are still developing. The environment should remain dry, clean, and quiet, similar to the pre-weaning setup. Cages should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, kept dry, and well-ventilated. If the cage becomes damp, it should be replaced with fresh bedding, and feces should be removed and disinfected regularly to eliminate pathogens like coccidia. In winter, the temperature should stay above 5°C, and in summer, proper cooling measures should be taken.
Adding pharmaceutical additives, enzyme preparations, and fulvic acid to the diet can help prevent disease and improve weight gain. Studies show that adding 3% of a drug additive can increase daily weight gain by 31.8%. Adding 200 mg of fulvic acid and 0.5% enzyme preparation per kilogram of feed can boost daily gain by 12% to 17.5%.
Young rabbits are highly susceptible to infectious diseases during this stage. Along with vaccinations against rabbit hemorrhagic disease and Clostridium perfringens, some farms also vaccinate against Pasteurella multocida and E. coli. Coccidiosis and infectious rhinitis should be prioritized throughout the year. Daily monitoring of feed intake, behavior, and feces is essential. If any signs of illness—such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or abnormal stools—are observed, the affected rabbits should be isolated and treated promptly.
Face Mask,Sterile Wound Dressing,Adhesive Wound Dressing,Collagen Wound Dressing
Changzhou Timerein Biotechnology Co. , Ltd. , https://www.timereinbiotech.com