Breeding and breeding management of female rabbits during lactation
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The litter of the nursing female rabbit begins to wean gradually as the pups grow. During this critical phase, the primary focus should be on maintaining the health of the mother and ensuring the proper development of the young. It's essential for caretakers to monitor the amount of milk the female produces. On average, adult rabbits can produce between 60 to 150 grams of milk per day, with some reaching up to 300 grams. Starting from the fifth day after birth, the feeding schedule and quantity should be adjusted based on the mother’s milk production. The diet provided to lactating does must contain at least 17% crude protein and should include high-quality green feed and juicy vegetation. Clean, warm water should always be available to support milk production and overall health.
Preventing mastitis is a top priority during this time. To help reduce the risk, a small amount of ground sulfathiazole (around 0.15 grams) mixed with baking soda can be added to the feed or drinking water. Maintaining hygiene is crucial—regular cleaning of the nesting box, food bowls, and water containers is necessary. Disinfection should be done frequently, and good ventilation is important to avoid air pollution in the living area. Keeping the environment quiet and stress-free helps the mother stay calm and healthy.
It's also common for some females to experience either excessive milk production or dry milk. In cases of overproduction, reducing the amount of concentrate and green, juicy feed while increasing hay intake and offering diluted salt water can help balance milk supply. If the udders become overly full, applying cold compresses may provide relief. For under-producing does, it’s beneficial to increase feed containing lysine-rich ingredients such as soybean meal or fish meal, or to offer more fresh greens and vegetables to boost milk quality and quantity. Monitoring the mother closely and adjusting care accordingly ensures the well-being of both the rabbit and her litter.