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ORDER Lagomorpha (which also includes Hares, Pikas and Cotton Tails). Historical records indicate that the Rabbit was first domesticated in the 1st Century B.C. Between the 6th and 10th Centuries A.D. experiments in the domestication of the Rabbit apparently took place in French Monasteries. It is also known that the Romans domesticated the rabbit, and kept them in enclosed gardens. The first records of rabbits in Britain was in the 13th Century. Before the end of the 18th Century rabbits were being produced in Britain on a commercial basis for meat. The Wild Rabbit is a major agricultural pest in Britain, Australia and New Zealand causing most destruction and erosion to the landscape. The successful introduction of Myxomatosis into Australia in 1950 and Britain in 1953 reduced rabbits to low numbers. But since then the effect of the disease has waned and the rabbit population is again increasing. As the myxomatosis virus is endemic in the wild rabbit population it is advisable to vaccinate pet rabbits annually against this disease. More information on vaccination Rabbits flourish in a wide variety of climates, being able to withstand temperatures as low as -12ºC. They evade high temperatures by remaining in burrows. They are also adapted to a wide variety of conditions, from semi-arid desert with low rain fall to subtropical regions with high rain fall. They thrive best however under temperate pastoral conditions. Extreme variation in body size, ear size and colour exists between the various breeds. The female is usually heavier than the male. They vary in weight from 1kg (Netherland Dwarf) to 6kg (Flemish Giant). Names of the sexes: MALE = BUCK, FEMALE = DOE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RABBITS AND HARES
NB Jack Rabbit = Hare BREEDS OF RABBIT The New Zealand White and Californian breeds were developed specifically for meat, Angora and Chinchilla breeds were bred for fur. The New Zealand White was accepted as a breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in the mid 1920's and imported into England after World War II. There are also many varieties that have been developed for exhibition purposes. BEHAVIOUR LIFE EXPECTANCY DEVELOPMENT SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT In the doe is influenced by breed, nutrition and season of birth. Small breeds reach sexual maturity earlier than large breeds.
BREEDING/OESTRUS The female rabbit has no oestrus cycle, ovulation is induced by mating, i.e. non spontaneous. But a certain rhythm does exist. The vulva under the influence of oestrogens enlarges and becomes reddish/purple in colour. The female will mate when the vulva is of this appearance. It is considered that this may be an indication of "oestrus". However some Does will mate when the vulva is small and pale. These are known as "Reflex Ovulators". The vaginal smear technique is therefore not used for detection of "oestrus", only the appearance of the vulva. During lactation, when moulting, or if nutrition is poor, Does may show no desire to mate.
PARTURITION (Birth) Usually occurs in the early hours of the morning, occasionally this is split, part of a litter being born several hours, or even a day or more before the other. The Doe will start pulling fur to make a nest.
Care must be taken when inspecting young, as the Doe may reject the litter if they are handled. To inspect the young, take the Doe away and half an hour later return her. All young stock should be separated by 3 months of age. Single caging is best, especially for males. WEANING AND CARE OF BABIES Take the mother away from the babies at6 - 8 weeks. There is a hgh incidence of enteritis at 1-3 months of age. Important to have adequate nutrition, space for exercise, dry hutches/cages and good hygiene.
HOUSING/CAGING
BEDDING/NESTING For Breeding Stock - removable, enclosed nest boxes must be provided, at least one week prior to parturition. 25cm high x 30cm wide x 38 - 40cm long, is a suitable size. In the nest box sawdust overlaid with hay should be provided. The Doe will also use her own fur in which to build a nest. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
FEEDING Under natural conditions rabbits are herbivorous, their diet consisting mainly of green herbage and other plant material. It is best to feed rabbits a complete dry food supplemented with fresh hay for roughage. For rabbits fed on muesli-type diets do not encourage 'selective feeding' - only replace the food when the rabbit has eaten all that is in it's bowl. Otherwise their diet will be unbalanced. Commercial pelleted foods are available now that overcome this problem as the food is all the same. Daily fresh vegetables eg carrots, green beans, cabbage etc provide interest and exercise for the teeth. Rabbits require approximately 100 - 400g of food/day.
WATER
COPROPHAGY The significance of this process lies in the bacterial synthesis of certain B vitamins in the caecum (Rabbits have a functional caecum). Coprophagy is established within 3 - 4 weeks of birth. Rabbits prevented from practising coprophagy will die within about 3 weeks.
TRANSPORT The rabbit should not be cramped, but at the same time not allowed too much room for movement whilst in transit. Rabbits can break their backs if there is too much movement in the cage.
HANDLING Care must be taken when handling rabbits, as some rabbits when restrained are capable of struggling so violently that their back may break. When returning them to their cage, always place them in back first. Rabbits will seldom bite, but can cause severe scratches with their hind legs. PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA CHART |
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Copyright © 2002
Penstone Veterinary Group |
