Weaning is a critical phase in the development of young rabbits, marking a significant physiological transition. Poor management during this period can lead to illness or even death. Most mortality among weaned rabbits occurs within the first three weeks post-weaning, particularly during the first one to two weeks, and the primary cause is often improper weaning practices. To ensure a smooth transition, the weaning method should be tailored to the health and condition of the rabbits.
If the entire litter is healthy, well-developed, and strong, they can be weaned all at once—meaning the mother and offspring are separated on the same day. However, if there is uneven development among the litter, 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." The rabbits should remain in their original cages, maintaining the same feeding, environment, and management practices to minimize stress and its associated complications.
The diet for weaned young rabbits should be nutritionally balanced, easy to digest, and highly palatable. High-energy, low-protein, and low-fat diets are not suitable for them. The crude fiber content in the feed should be around 12%, and the amount of succulent or green feed should not be excessive. All feed must be fresh, clean, and properly prepared—washing and drying forage before feeding is crucial. Given their strong appetites, feeding should be frequent but controlled, with small portions offered multiple times a day. Green materials can be fed 3–4 times daily, while fine feed should be given 2–3 times.
After weaning, young rabbits should be grouped by age, health, and gender for optimal management. Typically, 4–5 rabbits per cage and 20–30 cages per house are ideal, though this setup is more suitable for commercial rabbit production.
The environment after weaning undergoes significant changes, and young rabbits are still vulnerable due to rapid growth and weak immunity. They require a dry, clean, and quiet living space that closely resembles their pre-weaning conditions. Cages should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, kept dry, and well-ventilated. If the floor becomes damp, it should be replaced with fresh bedding, and feces should be removed regularly to control pathogens and coccidia. In winter, the temperature should be maintained above 5°C, while summer requires proper cooling to prevent heat stress.
Adding pharmaceutical additives, compound enzymes, and fulvic acid to the diet can help prevent diseases and improve weight gain. Studies show that adding 3% of a drug additive can increase daily weight gain by 31.8%. Incorporating 200 mg of fulvic acid and 0.5% enzyme preparation per kilogram of feed can boost weight gain by 12% to 17.5%.
Young rabbits are highly susceptible to infectious diseases during this stage. Along with vaccines for rabbit hemorrhagic disease and Clostridium perfringens, some farms also administer Pasteurella multocida and E. coli vaccines. Coccidiosis and infectious rhinitis should be prioritized throughout the year. Daily monitoring of eating habits, behavior, and feces is essential. Any signs of reduced appetite, lethargy, or abnormal stools should prompt immediate isolation and treatment to identify and address the underlying issue promptly.
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