Frozen Seafood Of Zhoushan,Frozen Seafood Frozen Mackerel,Frozen Seafood Hairtail,Frozen Seafood Frozen Pomfret Zhejiang Industrial Group Co., Ltd. , https://www.xingyeseafood.com
Reasonable Blood Matching Improves Rabbit Breeding Rate
Rabbit blood matching is a breeding technique that helps reduce the non-productive period in female rabbits, allowing for more efficient use of breeding resources, increasing litter sizes, and improving overall breeding performance. To help spread this technology among farmers, a reporter from the Japan Daily recently spoke with Yang Jie, an expert in rabbit farming at the Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, about the topic of rabbit blood compatibility.
**Reporter:** What exactly is rabbit blood matching?
**Yang Jie:** Rabbit blood mating involves breeding a female rabbit within 24 to 48 hours after she gives birth. When done correctly, it can significantly boost the reproduction rate. However, this technique requires careful handling. If performed without proper knowledge or conditions, it can lead to fewer births, higher pup mortality, and even shorten the lifespan of the female rabbits. Therefore, farmers with limited resources or technical expertise should approach this method with caution.
**Reporter:** What are the ideal characteristics for a female rabbit to be used in blood matching?
**Yang Jie:** The best candidates are young females between 1.5 to 2.5 years old, with a litter size of less than five and good physical condition. Rabbits that have already given birth to more than eight offspring or are in poor health may struggle to meet the nutritional demands of both themselves and their pups. If they become pregnant again too soon, especially during prolonged lactation or rapid fetal development, their nutrient supply may not be sufficient, leading to developmental issues in the puppies or even cases where the mother becomes weak or unable to nurse properly. Young rabbits under 1.5 years old are not suitable for this method as their bodies are still developing.
**Reporter:** Can blood matching be done continuously?
**Yang Jie:** No, it cannot. After giving birth, a female rabbit needs 2-3 weeks to recover. If blood matching is done too frequently, it can cause severe nutrient depletion, leading to postpartum cramps, lack of milk, stillbirths, weak offspring, and even miscarriages. It’s best to perform this technique only once or twice a year, ideally in spring or autumn when the climate is favorable and feed is abundant. This allows the rabbits to maintain good reproductive health while maximizing breeding success.
**Reporter:** What should farmers pay attention to after performing rabbit blood matching?
**Yang Jie:** First, nutrition is key. After mating, the female will be nursing and pregnant simultaneously, so her diet must be rich in nutrients and high in protein. Providing balanced, high-quality feed is essential. Second, early weaning is important. Pups should be weaned at around 25 days old, which helps the mother’s mammary glands rest and prepare for the next lactation cycle. At 15 days old, you can start introducing small amounts of easily digestible and nutritious food, gradually increasing the amount as the puppies grow. By 25 days, they can transition to regular feed. Proper care and feeding after blood matching ensure the health of both the mother and her offspring.