What Factors Lower Winter Rabbit Breeding Rates?

1 Overview

The reasons for low winter breeding rates in rabbits:

1. Lighting. Light amount and duration closely tie to rabbit activity. Lack or shortage of light seriously hurts breeding. Normally a doe needs 14-16 hours of light daily; too little or too much affects ovarian activity. Lighting points:

1. Light duration. Many farms can’t meet the needed hours, especially from early autumn to early spring. Combine natural and artificial light; add artificial when natural is short. Build hutches with light in mind – never on the shaded side.

2. Light intensity. Does need little intensity – about 20 lux. One 30-watt bulb per hutch suffices. Clean bulbs often so dust doesn’t dim them.

3. Light evenness. Keep every corner evenly lit so all rabbits get enough.

2. Weather and temperature. Rabbit estrus and mating are greatly affected by weather. In clear, sunny, warm conditions most rabbits come into heat together with good conception. But in rain, fog, or snow, estrous does may stop within a short time. Many farms see does not in heat from low temperature; the ideal is 15-25 C, hard in winter, but keep above 5 C so does still cycle and avoid frostbite.

3. Environmental quality. Owners often ignore harmful-gas buildup and high humidity. The rabbit’s health and mood greatly affect fertility and efficiency, so provide a comfortable living environment.

The above covers the factors behind low winter breeding rates. Owners, please take them seriously.