3. Rabbit repro SDL Flashcards
rabbits are capable of how many offspring per year
40
how long is the average rabbit gestation
30-33 days
how soon after giving birth can rabbits conceive
within hours
when is sexing rabbits possible
3-5 weeks old
when do testes descend in male rabbits
10 weeks
when is the breeding season of a rabbit
january to september (fertile all year round)
when do rabbits reach sexual maturity
what are some issues with early mating in rabbits
- poor mothering/nesting
- inadequate milk supply
- foetal rejection
list issues with mating rabbits older than 12 months
- reduced fertility/conception rates
- smaller litters
- larger kits –> dystocia
are rabbits induced or spontaneous ovulators
induced –> 10-13 hours after mating
when are reabbits receptive to mating
variable - no regular oestrus cycle
list signs of pregnancy in rabbits
- excessive digging
- scenting
- pulling hair (delap and ventrum)
- changes in temperament
- nest building
what causes pseudopregnancy in rabbits and how long does it last
- infertile mating
- doe on doe mating
- stress
- lasts 16-18 days
how and when can you detect pregnancy in rabbits
- ultrasound: 6-7 days
- radiography: 11 days
- palpation: 10-14 days (marble sized)
what are the benefits of spaying rabbits
- prevents unwanted litters
- prevents pseudopregnancy
- reduces territorial behaviour and aggression
- prevents reproductive disease, especially uterine adenocarcinoma (50-80% intact does over 3yrs)
what are the benefits of neutering rabbits
- no real health benefits
- prevents unwanted pregnancy
- possible behavioural benefits (reduced aggression esp for male/male pairings, reduce unwated bahaviours and sexual frustration)
when should rabbits be neutered
what is unique about male reproductive anatomy in the rabbit
- scrota sac is hairless
- testes elongated and cranial to penis
- accessory sex glands
- large epididymal fat pad
- well developed cramster muscle
- open inguinal canal
what technique must be used when castrating a male rabbit and why
- closed or mixed open closed
- rabbits have an open inguinal canal
- risk of post op herniation
what is unique about the female reprodcutive anatomy of the rabbit
- ovaries elongated
- located in dorsal abdomen near kidneys
- long suspensory ligament, ovaries caudal compares to bitch and queen
- no uterine body, 2 cervixes
- lots of fat in mesometrium
