Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2012.12015

Management of Reproduction on Small, Medium and Large Rabbit Farms: A Review  

Szendro, Zs. (Kaposvar University)
Szendro, K. (Kaposvar University)
Zotte, A. Dalle (Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova)
Publication Information
Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences / v.25, no.5, 2012 , pp. 738-748 More about this Journal
Abstract
One of the main goals of small, medium and large farms is to improve the reproductive performance of rabbit does. Stocks of lower productivity can be improved by crossing with intensive breeds. A better nutritional status of both foetuses and suckling kits has a positive effect on their later productivity. Overfeeding young females before first mating can lead to conditions of fattiness. Using restricted feeding or higher fibre content in the feed and changing it for a higher level ad libitum feeding about one week prior to first mating leads to longer lifespan and higher productive level. Intensive reproductive rhythm creates a negative energy balance in does : they are unable to consume enough feed (energy) for the nutritional requirements of foetus and lactation, and therefore lose most of their fat reserves. Furthermore, primiparous does also expend energy because they are still growing. Under intensive conditions, the 42-d reproductive rhythm (re-mating 11 days after parturition) is recommended. Under extensive conditions, the 18 or 25-d mating interval with 35 to 42-d weaning could be suitable. On small farms, natural mating is favoured; on large farms AI is commonly employed. The main advantage of AI is the all-in, all-out system. Hormonal (PMSG) treatment is used with AI to increase receptivity on d 11. Frequent and high level PMSG use can lead to higher anti-PMSG antibody rates. Lower level (max. 20 IU) and less frequent PMSG injection or non-hormonal alternative methods (short dam-litter separation, changing nursing method or lighting programs) are recommended for this reason.
Keywords
Rabbit Does; Reproductive Rhythm; Energy Balance; Hormonal Treatment; Biostimulation; Farm Size;
Citations & Related Records

Times Cited By Web Of Science : 1  (Related Records In Web of Science)
연도 인용수 순위
  • Reference
1 Hanzhong, L. 2008. Survey report for present situation of technology system of China rabbit industry - national survey group for technology system of rabbit industry. Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy, pp. 1565-1569.
2 Maertens, L. 1998. Effect of flushing, mother-litter separation and PMSG on the fertility of lactating does and the performance of their litter. World Rabbit Sci. 6:185-190.
3 Maertens, L. and F. Luzi. 1995a. Effect of diluent and storage time of rabbit semen on the fertility of does reared under two different lighting schedule. World Rabbit Sci. 3:27-34.
4 Maertens, L. and F. Luzi. 1995b. Note concerning the effect of PMSG stimulation on the mortality rate at birth and the distribution of litter size in artificially inseminated does. World Rabbit Sci. 3:57-61.
5 Maertens, L., F. Okerman, G. De Groote and R. Moermans. 1983. L'incidence de deux methodes de traitement hormonal sur le comporment sexuel et la fertilité de jeunes lapines. Rev. Agric. 36:167-175.
6 Masoro, E. J., H. A. Bertrand and F. T. Lynd. 1980. Nutritional probe of aging process. Fed. Proc. 39:3178-3182.
7 Gyovai, M., Zs. Szendro, L. Maertens, E. Biro-Nemeth, I. Radnai, Zs. Matics, Zs. Gerencser, Z. Princz and P. Horn. 2004b. Effect of the rearing method on the performance of rabbit does. Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress, Puebla City, Mexico, pp. 281-286.
8 Hamilton, H. H., S. D. Lukefahr and J. I. McNitt. 1997. Maternal nest quality and its influence on litter survival and weaning performance in commercial rabbits. J. Anim. Sci. 75:926-933.
9 Hartmann, J. and J. Petersen 1997. Korpergewichtsentwicklung und Milchleistung in den ersten drei Wochen der Laktation in Abhangigkeit von Hybridhasinnen. 10. Arbeitstagung uber Haltung und Krankheiten der Kaninchen, Pelztiere und Heimtiere, Celle, Germany, pp. 24-32. (in German)
10 Hudson, R., B. Schaal, M. Martínez-Gomez and H. Distel. 2000. Mother-young relations in the European rabbit: Physiological and behavioural locks and keys. World Rabbit Sci. 8:85-90.
11 Jensen, N. E., J. F. Jensen, Zs. Szendrő and P. Sorensen. 1996. Diallel crossbreeding experiment in Danish and Hungarian meat rabbits. 1. Reproductive performance, growth and feed conservation. World Rabbit Sci. 4:109-114.
12 Jentzer, A. 2008. Performances moyennes des elevages cunicoles en 2007. Presentation rapide des resultats RENACEB et RENALAP. Cuniculture Magazine, 35:39-44.
13 Khalil, M. H. and A. M. Al-Saef. 2008. Methods, criteria, techniques and genetic responses for rabbit selection: A review. Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy, pp. 1-22.
14 Khalil, M. H., E. A. Afifi, A. Farid and Y. K. Youssef. 2002. Estimation of crossbreeding effects for some litter traits in crossing of New Zealand White with Egyptian Galabi rabbits. Egypt Rabbit Sci. 12:143-153.
15 Krogmeier, D. and V. Dzapo. 1991. Leistungmerkmale von Kaninchen der Rassen Weisse Nenseeländer, Halle Grossilber sowie deren reciproker Krenzungen. Arch. Geflugelk. 55:158-162. (in German)
16 Farougou, S., M. Kpodekon, B. Koutinhouin, O. D. H. Brahi, Y. Djago, F. Lebas and P. Coudert. 2006. Impact of immediate postnatal suckling on mortality and growth of sucklings in field condition. World Rabbit Sci. 14:167-173.
17 Feugier, A. and L. Fortun-Lamothe. 2006. Extensive reproductive rhythm and early weaning improve body condition and fertility of rabbit does. Anim. Res. 55:459-470.   DOI   ScienceOn
18 Garreau, H., M. Piles, C. Larzul, M. Baselga and H. Rochambeau. 2004. Selection of maternal lines: last results and prospects. Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress, Puebla City, Mexico, pp. 14-25.
19 Gerencser, Zs., Zs. Matics, I. Nagy and Zs. Szendro. 2011a. Effect of light colour and reproductive rhythm on rabbit doe production. World Rabbit Sci. 19:161-170.
20 Gerencser, Zs., Zs. Matics, I. Nagy, Z. Princz, Z. Orova, E. Biro-Nemeth, I. Radnai and Zs. Szendro. 2008. Effect of light stimulation on the reproductive performance of rabbit does. Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy, pp. 371-374.
21 Gerencser, Zs., Zs. Matics, I. Nagy, I. Radnai, E. Szendro and Zs. Szendro. 2011b. Effect of lighting schedule on production of rabbit does. World Rabbit Sci. 19:209-216.
22 Gerencser, Zs., Zs. Matics, I. Nagy, I. Radnai, E. Szendro and Zs. Szendro. 2012. Effect of lighting program and nursing method on the production and nursing behaviour of rabbit does. World Rabbit Sci. (in press)
23 Gondret, F., F. Lebas and M. Bonneau. 2000. Restricted feed intake during fattening reduces intramuscular lipid deposition without modifying muscle fiber characteristics in rabbits. J. Nutr. 130:228-233.
24 Gyovai, M. 2006. Effects of nutrient supply during rearing and age at first insemination on the performance of rabbit does. PhD thesis, University of Kaposvar, Hungary.
25 Gyovai, M., L. Maertens, I. Nagy, E. Biro-Nemeth, I. Radnai, Z. Princz, Zs. Gerencser and Zs. Szendro. 2004a. Examination of factors influencing rabbit survival (preliminary results). Proc. 8th World Rabbit Congress. Puebla City, Mexico, pp. 1128-1133.
26 Brun, J. M., G. Bolet, M. Baselga, J. Esperabil and J. Falieres. 1998. Comparaison de deux souches europeennes de lapins selectionees la taille de porte: interet de leur croisement. Proc 7emes Journ. Rech. Cunicole, Lyon, France, pp. 21-23. (in French)
27 Castellini, C., A. Dal Bosco and R. Cardinali. 2006. Long term effect of post-weaning rhythm on the body fat and performance of rabbit doe. Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 46:195-204.   DOI   ScienceOn
28 Csonkane and Zs. Szendro. 1984. Effect of season on productive traits of rabbits. Reports Res. Centre Anim. Proc. Nutr., Godollo, Hungary, pp. 323-329.
29 Cheeke, P. R., N. M. Patton, S. D. Lukefahr and J. I. McNitt. 1986. The rabbit production. The Interstate Printers&Publ., Danville, Illions, USA
30 Coureaud, G., B. Schaal, P. Coudert, P. Rideaud, L. Fortun-Lamothe, R. Hudson and P. Orgeur. 2000. Immediate postnatal suckling in the rabbit: Its influence on pup survival and growth. Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 40:19-32.   DOI   ScienceOn
31 Das, S., N. Ghosh and S. K. Ray. 1997. Reproductive performance of broiler rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in West Bengal. Indian Anim. Sci. 67:314-315.
32 Di Meo, C., S. Bovera, S. Marono, N. Vella and A. Nizza. 2007. Effect of feed restriction or performance and feed digestibility in rabbits. Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 6:765-767.
33 Doblhammer, G. and J. W. Vaupel. 2001. Lifespan depends on month of birth. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 98:2934-2939.   DOI   ScienceOn
34 Eiben, Cs., K. Kustos, A. Kenessey, Gy. Virag and Zs. Szendro. 2001. Effect of different feed restriction during rearing on production performance in rabbit does. World Rabbit Sci. 9:9-14.
35 Eiben, Cs., G. Tobias, K. Kustos, K. Godor-Surmann, Sz. Kotany, B. Gulyas and G. Szira. 2007. The change of nursing for oestrus induction (biostimulation): Effect of contact between rabbit doe and its young. Livest. Sci. 11:193-203.
36 Baselga, M., A. Blasco and F. Garcia. 1982. Parametros geneticos de caracteres en poblaciones de conejos. Proc. 2nd World Congr. Gen. Appl. Liv. Prod., Madrid, Spain, pp. 471-480.
37 Azard, A. 2006. Caracterisation des systemes de production cunicole francais et perspectives d'evolution. Cuniculture Magazine 33:78-85. (in French)
38 Babile, R., M. Cabdau, A. Auvergne and R. Fhari. 1982. Effets de l'environnement post natal sur la reproduction des lapines. Premiers resultats. Proc. 3emes Journ. Rech. Cunicole, Paris, France, Comm. 30. (in French)
39 Barker, D. J. P., C. Osmond, J. Golding, D. Kuh and M. E. J. Wadsworth. 1989. Growth in utero, blood pressure in childhold and adult life, and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Br. Med. J. 298:564-567.   DOI   ScienceOn
40 Beyer, C. and N. Rivaud. 1969. Sexual behaviour in pregnant and lactating domestic rabbits. Physiol. Behav. 4:753-757.   DOI   ScienceOn
41 Brun, J. M. and M. Baselga. 2005. Analysis of reproductive performances during the formation of a synthetic rabbit strain. World Rabbit Sci. 13:239-252.
42 Brun, J. M. and G. Saleil. 1994. Une estimation, en fermes, de l'heterosis sur les performances de reproduction entre les souches de la lapin IRA A 2066 et A1077. Proc. 6emes Journ. Rech. Cunicole, La Rochelle, France, pp. 203-210. (in French)
43 Brun, J. M., G. Bolet and J. Ouhayoun. 1992. The effect of crossbreeding and reproductive traits in triallel experiment between three strains of rabbits. Proc. 5th World Rabbit Congress, Corvallis, USA, Vol. A, pp. 181-189.
44 Xiccato, G., M. Gernardini, C. Castellini, A. Dalle Zotte, P. Quenaque and A. Trocino. 1999. Effect of postnatal feeding on the performance and energy balance of female rabbits at differint physiological status. J. Anim. Sci. 77:416-426.
45 Theau-Clement, M., C. Boiti, A. Bonanno, Cs. Eiben, L. Maertens and Zs. Szendro. 2006. Alternative methods for synchronisation of oestrus in lactating rabbit does (Ed. L. Maertens and P. Coudert). Recent advances in rabbit sciences. ILVO, Melle, Belgium, pp. 21-37.
46 Varga, L. and Zs. Szendro. 1984. Production of female rabbits as a function of age. Proc. 3rd World Rabbit Congress, Roma, Italy, pp. 87-95.
47 Virag, Gy., K. Kustos and A. Suschka. 1991. Selection for teat number on a New Zealand population. Proc. 3rd Hung. Conf. Rabbit Prod., Kaposvar, Hungary, pp. 105-113.
48 Xiccato, G., A. Trocino, C. Boiti and G. Brecchia. 2005. Reproductive rhythm and litter weaning age as they affect rabbit does performance and body energy balance. Anim. Sci. 81:289-296.
49 Yingkai, Y. and L. Mingrong. 2008. Feeding management and technology of breeding rabbit in hot climate. Workshop Organic farming based on forages, Cantho City, Vietnam. Available online at: http://www.mekarn.org/prorab/content.htm
50 Zhiqiang, L. and C. Xiaoyan. 2008. Rabbit resources of China. Intern. Workshop Organic farming based on forages, Cantho City, Vietnam. Available online at: http://www.mekarn.org/prorab/content.htm
51 Szendro, Zs., M. M. A. Mohamed and E. Biro-Nemeth. 1991. Teat number of new-born rabbits depending on the teat number of their parents. J. Appl. Rabbit Res. 14:133-135.
52 Szendro, Zs., E. Biro-Nemeth, I. Radnai, N. E. Jensen and A. Kenessey. 1996. The performance of Danish White and Pannon White purebred and reciprocal crossbred rabbits. Proc. 6th World Rabbit Congress, Toulouse, France, Vol. 2, pp. 359-364.
53 Szendro, Zs., T. Gyarmati, A. Levai, I. Radnai and E. Biro-Nemeth. 1999. Comparison of once-daily, free and combined forms of suckling in rabbits. Acta Agric. Kapos. 3:155-163.
54 Szendro, Zs., M. Gyovai, L. Maertens, E. Birone Nemeth, I. Radnai, Zs. Matics and I. Nagy. 2006a. Effect of rearing method on the lifetime production of does. Proc. 18th Hung. Conf. Rabbit Prod., Kaposvar, Hungary, pp. 117-121.
55 Szendro, Zs., A. A. Rashwan, E. Biro-Nemeth and I. Radnai. 2006b. Effect of vulva colour and turgidity on conception rate and litter size of rabbit does. Proc. 18th Hung. Conf. Rabbit Prod., Kaposvar, Hungary, pp. 123-126.
56 Szendro, Zs., K. Kustos, Zs. Juhasz, I. Radnai, E. Biro-Nemeth, Z. Princz, Zs. Matics, P. Gyovai and I. Nagy. 2007a. Effect of crossbreeding on reproductive performance in rabbits. Proc. 19th Hung. Conf. Rabbit. Prod., Kaposvar, Hungary, pp. 65-69.
57 Theau-Clement, M., B. Poujardieu and J. Bellerand. 1990. Influence des traitments lumineux, modes de reproduction et états physiologiques sur la productivite de lapines multipares. Proc. 5emes Journ. Rech. Cunicole, Paris, France, Tome 1, Comm. 7.
58 Szendro, Zs., A. A. Rashwan, E. Biro-Nemeth, I. Radnai and Z. Orova. 2007b. Effect of shearing of hair in summer on productioin of rabbit does. Acta Agric. Kapos. 11:37-42.
59 Szendro, Zs., Zs. Gerencser, Zs. Matics, E. Biro-Nemeth and I. Nagy. 2008. Comparison of two reproductive rhythms of rabbit does. Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy, pp. 455-458.
60 Theau-Clement, M. 2007. Preparation of the rabbit doe to insemination: a review. World Rabbits Sci. 15:61-80.
61 Poigner, J., Zs. Szendro, A. Levai, E. Biro-Nemeth and I. Radnai. 2000. Weight of new-born rabbits in relation to their number and position within the uterus in unilaterally ovariectomised does. World Rabbit Sci. 8:231-237.
62 Pond, W. G. and J. F. Wu. 1981. Mature body weight and life span of male and female progeny of primiparous rats fed a low protein or adequate diet throughout pregnancy. J. Nutr. 111: 1949-1954.
63 Rochambeau, H. de, F. Tudela and J. Chabert. 1988. Some results about number of teats in 3 strains of rabbits. Proc. 4th World Rabbit Congress, Budapest, Hungary, pp. 261-268.
64 Rommers, J. M., B. Kemp, R. Meijerhof and J. P. T. M. Noordhuizen. 2001. The effect of litter size before weaning on subsequent body development, feed intake, and reproductive performance of young rabbit does. J. Anim. Sci. 79:1973-1982.
65 Rossel, J. M. 2005. The suckling rabbit: health, care and survival. A field study in Spain and Portugal during 2003-2004. Proc. 4th Int. Conf. Rabbit Prod. Hot Climates, Sharm-El-Sheik, Egypt, pp. 1-9.
66 Szendro, Zs. and H. Tag-El-Den. 1987. Effect of double mating on the conceptional rate and litter size of rabbit (in Hung.). Magy. Allatorvosok Lapja 42:371-374.
67 Szendro, Zs. and J. Barna. 1984. Some factors affecting mortality of suckling and growing rabbits. Proc. 3rd World Rabbit Congress, Roma, Italy, pp. 166-173.
68 Szendro, Zs. and S. Holdas. 1984. Relationship between the number of teat and the production of female rabbirts. Proc. 3rd World Rabbit Congress, Rome, Italy, 11, pp. 141-148.
69 Szendro, Zs. and L. Maertens. 2001. Maternal effect during pregnancy and lactation in rabbits. Acta Agric. Kapos. 5:1-21.
70 Szendro, Zs., M. Lang and J. Szabo. 1989. Performance of does in dependence of litter size in which they were born. (in Hung.) Allattenyesztes es Takarmanyozas 38:159-164.
71 Matics, Zs., Zs. Szendro, St. Hoy, I. Nagy, I. Radnai, E. Biro-Nemeth and M. Gyovai. 2004. Effect of different management methods on the nursing behaviour of rabbits. World Rabbit Sci. 12:95-108.
72 Matics, Zs., I. Nagy, E. Biro-Nemeth, I. Radnai, Zs. Gerencser, Z. Princz and Zs. Szendro. 2008. Effect of feeding regime during rearing and age at first mating on the reproductive performance of rabbit does. Proc. 9th World Rabbit Congress, Verona, Italy, pp. 399-403.
73 Matics, Zs., Zs. Gerencser, I. Radnai, A. Miko, I. Nagy and Zs. Szendro. 2012. Effect of different lighting schedules (16 L:8 D or 12 L:6 D) on reproductive performance of rabbit does. Proc. 10th World Rabbit Congress, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt (in press)
74 Mirabito, L., P. Galliot and C. Souchet. 1994. Effet de l'utilisation de la PMSG et la modification de la photoperiode sur be les performances de production de la lapine. Proc. 6emes Journ. Res. Cunicole, La Rochelle, France, 1, pp. 169-178.
75 Palos, J., Zs. Szendro and K. Kustos 1996. The effect of number and position of foetuses in uterine horns on their weight at 30 days of pregnancy. Proc. 6th World Rabbit Congress, Toulouse, France, Vol. 2, pp. 97-102.
76 Nizza, A., C. Di Meo and L. Esposito. 1997. Influence of the diet used before and after the first mating on reproductive performance of rabbit does. World Rabbit Sci. 5:107-110.
77 Nofal, R. Y., S. Toth and Gy. Virag. 1995. Effects of crossbreeding on some reproductive traits. Allattenyesztes es Takarmanyozas, 44:243-248.
78 Nofal, R. Y., S. Toth and Gy. Virag. 1996. Evaluation of seven breed groups for litter traits. Proc. 6th World Rabbit Congress, Toulouse, France, pp. 335-339.
79 Pascual, J. J., C. Cervera and J. Fernandez-Carmona. 2002. A feeding programme for young rabbit does based on lucerne. World Rabbit Sci. 10:7-13.
80 Poigner, J., Zs. Szendro, A. Levai, I. Radnai and E. Biro-Nemeth. 1999. Effect of birth weight and litter size on growth and mortality in rabbits. World Rabbit Sci. 8:17-22.
81 Langley-Evans, S. C. and D. V. Sculley. 2006. The association between birthweight and longevity in the rat is complex and modulated by maternal protein intake during fetal life. FEBS Lett. 580:4150-4153.   DOI   ScienceOn
82 Lebas, F. 1982. Influence de la position in utero sur le developpement corporel des laperaux. 3emes Journees de la Recherche Cunicule, Paris, France (in French)
83 Lebas, F., P. Coudert, R. Rouvier and H. de Rochembau. 1986. The rabbit husbandry, health and production. FAO Animal Production and Health Series, no. 21, Rome, Available online at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/X5082E/X5082E00.htm
84 Lukefahr, S. D. 1992. The rabbit project manual. A trainer manual for meat rabbit project development. Heifer Project International, Little Rock, USA.