Breeding Buck Feeding Techniques

1 Overview

How to Feed and Manage Breeding Buck Rabbits

Above all, the buck’s feed must be complete and balanced – especially protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are vital to semen quality.

1. Protein’s effect on fertility. Protein is the dry matter of semen and the secretions of related glands, so semen quality tracks the protein in the feed. With enough dietary protein, libido is strong and semen is good – large volume, high density, high motility, easy conception. Animal protein sharply raises sperm motility and fertilizing ability, so besides plant protein, add a little animal protein like blood meal.

2. Vitamins’ effect on fertility. Vitamin levels in the diet matter too – vitamin A and E strongly affect libido and semen quality. Lack of vitamin A cuts sperm count and raises abnormal sperm. So alongside a complete feed, add vitamin-rich green feed or a vitamin supplement, especially in winter when greens are scarce and deficiency is likely.

3. Minerals’ effect on fertility. Some minerals – phosphorus, for instance – are essential to semen, so add phosphorus-rich feed. Calcium lack causes poor sperm development and lower motility, so add 2% bone meal to meet calcium needs. Keep the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio at 1.5-2:1. Other minerals matter too; balance the diet well.

Tip: Besides a balanced diet, consider its long-term stability, because sperm take a long time to develop; frequent feed changes slow and hurt development. Once the diet is right, keep it steady – especially in the 20 days before mating, hold the diet once you confirm it is sound, palatable, and complete.