Chapter VII 

 :' OBSTETRICS 



Breeding 



Breeding from immature animals invariably 

 leads to disappointment and disaster, and rab- 

 bits are no exception to this rule. With the 

 exception of Flemish giants, mating should not 

 be allowed before eight months of age. In the 

 case of Flemish giants, which tend to become 

 sterile if not bred before eight months, six 

 months is the most favorable age to start breed- 

 ing, Stud animals should be selected from inr 

 dividuals that have been well reared, correctly 

 fed and have never had a set-back an,d are in 

 good physical condition; The maximum num- 

 ber, of litters that should be expected, fxom a 

 doe per annum is four; an excess of this num- 

 ber not only wears out the dpe, but produces 

 weak offspring. 



E strum occurs about every three weeks in 

 the early part of the year and continues for 

 three or four daysi 



The signs of estrum are festlessness, excita- 

 bilityj congestion and tumefaction of the vulva 

 and vagina, with the usual discharge from the 

 former. Any signs of nervousness on the part 

 of the doe when introduced to the buck indi- 

 cates that estrum is not fuUy established, and 

 she should be removed arid tried again next 



53 



