Читать книгу Rabbit Production - James I McNitt - Страница 46

Individual rabbits vary somewhat in the rapidity with which they develop, so both development and age must be taken into consideration in determining the proper time to start them in production. Sexually, the smaller breeds mature much earlier than the heavier breeds. The small Polish usually are ready to start production at 4 months of age, the medium weight New Zealand, Californian, etc., at 4½ to 5½ months, and the heavy Flemish at 6 to 7 months.

For best results, junior bucks and does should be fed in such a manner that they will make normal growth, develop strong, healthy bodies, and be firm in flesh when they are to be mated for the first time, without being excessively fat. Bucks should be put into service about a month later than does, as they are slower to mature sexually.

A method of determining sexual maturity in does is to examine the vulva. Does that are ready to breed, regardless of age, are those that have a moist, swollen, reddish-pink vulva. Does that show this condition will readily accept the buck when placed in his cage. When does are not ready to mate, the vulva is small and whitish in color with very little moisture observed.