Читать книгу Rabbit Production - James I McNitt - Страница 45

Traditionally, 1 buck for every 10 does has been used. This underutilizes the buck and increases costs of operation. Research has demonstrated that the sperm count does not decrease below the level for optimum fertilization even when the buck is used daily for extended periods of time or used three or four times a day for a few days. The buck’s only purpose in a rabbitry is breeding. If he is not used often, he may become fat and lazy. If 1 buck is kept for 10 does and your rebreeding interval is 35 days, the buck is only used 10 times in 66 days (35 + 31 days gestation). This means it works about once a week. One buck could service 66 does if it were used daily. With a shorter breeding interval, more bucks are needed. Many commercial rabbit raisers are now keeping 1 buck for 25 to 30 does.

The bucks should not be overfed. They should be on restricted feed, but when they are working hard and during cold weather, they should be fed more. The greatest cause of decreased libido (sexual desire) in bucks is being overweight.