Rabbit Breeding Techniques
Rex Rabbit, also known as the Lexus Rabbit, is a unique breed originally from France. Its fur closely resembles that of a rare and luxurious animal, which is why it's often called the Rex Rabbit. Not only is rabbit meat high in protein and low in fat, but it's also easy to digest, making it a popular choice for those seeking health benefits such as beauty enhancement, anti-aging, weight management, and mental clarity. It’s considered a rare and nutritious food option.
Due to its exceptional fur quality, Rex Rabbits are highly valued in the market. With an increasing demand for rabbit pelts and meat, they have become a profitable livestock option. According to export data from provinces like Shandong, Zhejiang, and Jilin, each rabbit skin can be sold for between $3 and $5, while a domestically made leather garment can fetch up to 600 to 800 yuan. The demand remains strong, and the supply is limited.
Rex Rabbits are herbivores with a fast reproductive cycle, making them ideal for small-scale farming. A single female can give birth to 6 to 7 offspring per year, and under proper care, 30 rabbits can be raised. Each rabbit weighs about 2.5 kg, and the income per rabbit is around 25 yuan, totaling 750 yuan per group. If a family raises 10 groups (10 males and 20 females), the annual income could reach 15,000 yuan. After deducting 5,000 yuan in costs, the net profit can exceed 10,000 yuan annually.
The appearance of Rex Rabbits is one of their most notable features. Their fur is short, fine, dense, flat, and smooth—qualities that make it hard to match with other breeds. The hair length ranges from 1.6 to 2.2 cm, with a fine fiber diameter and minimal coarse guard hairs. The fur is tightly packed, resistant to shedding, and provides excellent insulation. It is also soft, uniform, and available in various colors such as black, white, brown, and coffee.
Feeding Rex Rabbits requires a balanced diet. They can be fed wild grasses, leaves, and leguminous plants like soybean stalks, peanut pods, and sweet potato vines. Adult rabbits should receive about 800–1000 grams of green feed and 100–150 grams of concentrate daily. A typical concentrate formula includes 40% corn, 20% bran, 20% bean cake, 5% rice bran, 5% barley or sorghum, 5% fish meal, 3% bone meal, 1% salt, and 1% additives for growth and health.
Feeding Management
(i) Male Rabbits: During breeding season, males should be given extra protein and vitamins A and E, such as carrots. If bred twice a day, their feed should be increased by 25%. Each male should mate with 2 to 5 females. Males typically live for 2 to 3 years. Breeding should be done within the same color group, avoiding crossbreeding with different colored or meat rabbit breeds.
(b) Pregnant Females: Pregnancy lasts 29 to 31 days. Keep the environment quiet and avoid handling the rabbits too much. Avoid feeding spoiled or rotten feed. Three days before birth, reduce the amount of concentrate feed. Prepare clean nesting materials, and ensure access to fresh water with a bit of salt and sugar. If milk production is low, lactation tablets can be administered for 2 to 3 days, along with added brown sugar and hot lard in the feed.
(c) Puppies: Young rabbits are vulnerable to disease, so it's crucial to keep the hutch clean and secure against pests. Ensure good ventilation and avoid overheating. At 18 days old, start introducing soft, easily digestible foods. Wean the young at 30–45 days, and administer Pasteurella vaccines when they’re 45 days old.
Breeding
Rex Rabbits do not have a strict breeding season, but fertility rates are highest in spring. Males should be at least 5 months old and weigh 2.25 kg before mating. Use separate cages for breeding, placing the female inside and returning her after mating. In summer, breed early in the morning and late in the evening; in winter, breed between 10 am and 4 pm. Proper nesting is essential, and natural mating is preferred for better results.
Disease Prevention
During wet seasons, coccidiosis is common. To prevent this, keep the hutch dry and add garlic, onions, and leeks to the feed. Administer regular doses of chlorpheniramine and sulfamethazine. If a rabbit develops a cold or pneumonia due to weather changes, use antipyretic analgesics or a mix of blue and streptomycin injections. Regular health checks and hygiene are key to maintaining a healthy herd.
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