This month marks the late autumn season, when the weather becomes cooler, the temperature difference between day and night increases, and daylight hours significantly decrease. Based on these climatic conditions, proper feeding and management of rabbits are essential to ensure their health and productivity.
1. **Breeding Management**
Late autumn is an ideal time for rabbit breeding, but there are a few important considerations. First, female rabbits may not show obvious signs of estrus due to shorter natural daylight. To stimulate breeding, it's recommended to supplement artificial lighting for 14 to 16 hours daily. Second, this period is also when adult rabbits shed their fur. If nutrition is inadequate, the shedding process can be prolonged, which may negatively affect reproductive performance. Therefore, feed should be adjusted according to the moulting status, with special attention to sulfur-containing amino acids and protein content to support both coat renewal and fertility.
2. **Harvesting and Storing Roughage**
Crop stalks and leaves collected during this time make excellent roughage for rabbits and can be used year-round. However, the harvesting window is short, making this period critical. It's important to harvest, dry, and store local forage materials promptly. Vines with high water content, such as sweet potato vines, are difficult to dry quickly and must be protected from rain to prevent mold growth. Before using fruit leaves, they should be carefully checked to avoid potential poisoning from accumulated toxins.
3. **Skin Harvesting**
With the approaching winter, the demand for rabbit pelts begins to rise. Fattening rabbits that are 5 to 6 months old can be slaughtered for their coats, while older rabbits being culled must have their fur removed thoroughly, especially in the abdominal area. A clear boundary known as "gadder" may form at the junction of moulting and non-moulting areas, which can reduce the quality and market value of the skin.
4. **Managing Temperature Fluctuations**
Temperature changes are common during this season, especially sudden drops, which can lead to diseases like infectious rhinitis and diarrhea. Monitoring the weather forecast and preparing in advance is crucial. For those raising rabbits in plastic greenhouses during winter, it's essential to stock up on necessary materials to maintain stable conditions.
5. **Disease Prevention**
Rabbit diseases can occur throughout the year, but the transition from autumn to winter and into spring creates favorable conditions for outbreaks. Vaccination is key—rabbits should receive a single vaccine rather than multiple combinations (such as rabbit, papilloma, or clostridium vaccines), as mixed shots may weaken immune responses. Additionally, preventive measures should be taken against other common issues like respiratory infections, coccidiosis, rickets, and fungal skin diseases.
By focusing on these aspects, rabbit farmers can ensure better health, productivity, and profitability during the late autumn season.
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com