Rabbit Breeding and Management: A Guide for Producers
Joseph Okoh, USU Extension Small Acreage Livestock Specialist
Jessie Hadfield, USU Extension 4 - H Agriculture and Animal Science Specialist
This fact sheet provides essential information to help rabbit producers understand effective breeding goals and programs for managing and improving rabbit production.
Importance of Breeding and Genetics
Breeding plays a crucial role in improving farm animals, including rabbits. Success in breeding typically depends on multiple traits, not just one. The objective is to select the best animals as breeding stock, ensuring desirable traits are passed on while undesirable traits are minimized. This process enhances productivity and promotes genetic improvement over time.
The key goal of breeding is to increase desirable genes and reduce less favorable ones. Genetic makeup and environmental factors, such as nutrition and health, influence an animal’s performance.
Key Breeding Goals
To improve rabbit production, producers should focus on the following key breeding objectives:
1. Meat Quality
a. Improve tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.
b. Produce lean carcasses with reduced fat content.
c. Ensure higher protein content and lower cholesterol.
Highlights
• A breeder’s key goal is increasing desirable genes and reducing less favorable ones.
• Rabbits have high reproductive rates, mature quickly, and have short gestation periods and large litters.
• A 35-day interval between litters is advised for optimal results
• Several challenges may affect successful breeding, including environmental factors, health issues, and genetic problems
• Environmental factors affecting breeding success include temperature, light exposure, and nutrition.
• A balanced diet is essential for fertility.
2. Growth Rate and Body Weight
a. Increase growth rates for earlier market weight (e.g., 4–5 weeks instead of 6–7 weeks).
b. Achieve optimal slaughter weight at the right time.
3. Fertility and Reproductive Efficiency
a. Improve litter size and reproductive performance.
b. Increase fertility rates to enhance profitability.
c. Reduce mortality rates to improve overall productivity.
4. Feed Efficiency and Sustainability
a. Choose rabbits that grow fast and eat less so you save feed and make more money.
b. Breed rabbits that can grow well on alternative foods like forages (e.g., alfalfa, Timothy hay, orchard grass, Bermuda grass, clover, dandelion leaves, ryegrass) and agricultural by-products (wheat bran, corn bran, brewers’ grains, sugar beet pulp, cereal straws, sunflower meal, soybean hull, peanut hay).
c. Promote sustainability in rabbit production.
5. Disease Resistance and Reduced Mortality
a. Breed rabbits for better disease resistance (e.g., myxomatosis, viral hemorrhagic disease).
b. Strengthen the immune system and improve gut health.
c. Improve longevity (2–3 years) and reduce mortality, especially during the growth phase.
Rabbit Breeding Programs
Rabbits have high reproductive rates, mature quickly, and have short gestation periods and large litters. A doe can produce up to 60 weaned offspring per year under intensive breeding conditions, although this is not recommended for beginners. Breeding schedules typically follow 7-day intervals for easy record-keeping, with commercial producers often breeding 14–21 days after kindling, though a 35-day interval is advised for optimal results.
Meat-Type Rabbit Breeding Program (for Beginners)
Day 1: Mating
Mate a mature buck with a mature doe and record the first day of mating. Several matings within a day are fine, but it's best to have them within the first two days. If successful, begin counting the days from the first mating. Gestation lasts around 28–33 days (earlier with smaller breeds, later with heavier breeds).
Days 28–33: Kindling (rabbit birth process)
Be observant of signs that the doe is preparing for birth (e.g., creating a nest). Assist with nesting as needed and observe the delivery process. Most rabbits will give birth between 28–33 days.
Days 14–21: Post Kindling
Post (after) kindling, you can begin rebreeding the doe. Early breeding is common on commercial farms, with the goal of maximizing production.
Days 42–55: Weaning
Gradually wean the young rabbits from the doe by removing the larger ones at two-day intervals, ensuring that all are weaned within a week. It is ideal to allow the doe some time to recover before breeding again, and rebreeding may take place at that point.
Days 70–85: Harvesting
The rabbits weaned from the first litter are now mature and ready for slaughter and processing. The second litter will be 4–5 weeks old, depending on when you rebred your doe, and should be ready for slaughter in approximately 7–8 weeks.
Common Breeding Challenges
Several challenges may affect successful breeding, including environmental factors, health issues, and genetic problems:
1. Reproductive Decline in Certain Seasons
• Rabbits may experience a drop in reproductive activity during late summer, fall, and early winter.
• Choosing breeders that perform well year-round can help maintain consistent production.
2. Heat-Induced Sterility
• Bucks exposed to temperatures above 85 °F for prolonged periods may become temporarily sterile.
• To prevent overheating, keep bucks in cooler areas and adjust breeding schedules, as necessary.
3. False Pregnancy
• A doe may appear pregnant, but it is not. This is often due to sterile mating or physical stimulation from other rabbits.
• False pregnancies last around 17 days but are generally harmless.
4. Mating Difficulties
• Mating issues can arise due to poor physical condition, excessive weight, or external factors like temperature and nutrition.
• Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are essential for fertility.
Factors Affecting Breeding Success
1. Age and Timing of Breeding
• Different breeds mature at different rates. Smaller breeds typically reach sexual maturity earlier than larger breeds.
• Female rabbits tend to reach maturity earlier than males of the same breed.
2. Behavioral Issues During Mating
• Bucks may become disinterested or tired quickly, affecting breeding success. This can be caused by heat stress, poor nutrition, or environmental conditions.
• Ensure a balanced diet with essential nutrients to support fertility.
3. Genetic and Health Issues
• Genetic mutations: Genetic disorders can hinder fertility, and reproductive problems may arise from hereditary issues like uterine anomalies or testicular defects.
• Fertility issues: Environmental factors like temperature extremes and inadequate light exposure can affect fertility. Aim for 14–16 hours of light per day to improve breeding success.
• Injuries and health concerns: Regularly check rabbits for injuries or health problems, as these can impact mating and fertility.
Environmental Influences on Breeding
The following proper environmental conditions are crucial for successful breeding.
• Temperature: High temperatures (above 85 °F) can cause heat stress and temporarily reduce male fertility. Ensure bucks are kept in cool, shaded areas.
• Light exposure: Provide 14–16 hours of light daily to enhance reproductive success.
• Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining reproductive health. Ensure rabbits have access to high-quality hay, fresh water, and commercial rabbit feed.
By understanding and addressing these key factors, producers can improve their breeding programs and achieve optimal results in rabbit production.
References
Obike, O. M., & Ibe, S. N. (2010). Effect of genotype on pre-weaning growth performance of the domestic rabbit in a humid tropical environment. Global Veterinaria, 4, 388–393.
Oke, U. K., Ibe, S. N., Onyiro, O. M., & Nwichi, C. (2003). Influence of age and sex on the productive traits of rabbits in the humid tropics. In Proceedings of the 28th Annual Nigeria Society for Animal Production (NSAP) Conference (pp. 122–124), Ibadan, Nigeria.
Okoro, V. M., Ezeokereke, C. T., Ogundu, U. E., & Chukwudum, C (2009). Phenotypic correlation of body weight and linear body measurement in Chinchilla rabbits (Oryctolagus cunnicus). Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development, 2, 027–029.
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies: The Office of Equity in Distance Education, Room 400, Logan, Utah, titleix@usu.edu, 435-797-1266. For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit equity.usu.edu, or contact: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, ocr@ed.gov or U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695 ocr.denver@ed.gov. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth L. White, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture, Utah State University. July 2024 Utah State University Extension
July 2025
Utah State University Extension Peer-reviewed fact sheet