Management and feeding strategies for early weaning of rabbits

Management and feeding strategies for early weaning of rabbits. Under commercial conditions, litters are usually separated from their mothers at around 35 days of age or even later in order to increase weight at weaning on the basis of the positive correlation with post-weaning viability observed in previous research. Recent studies, however, have proposed anticipating weaning age for the dual purpose of reducing doe energy output for milk production and consequent body energy deficit and providing better coverage for kit nutritional requirements through the administration of specific starter diets. Previous studies have demonstrated that the early weaning of rabbits has no detrimental effects on health or growth performance when performed from 21 d onwards and is compatible with the behaviour of wild rabbits. Early weaning has been observed to improve doe body condition and energy balance by decreasing the lactation period and increasing the dry period. In highly productive hybrid rabbits however, the sudden interruption of lactation at its peak may compromise reproductive performance in an extent that needs to be further investigated. Animal welfare may present another critical point against early weaning, even if survival is guaranteed whenever kits can easily access water and food. Specific starter diets appear useful in stimulating digestive functions and microflora development, although studies have shown that kits can be successfully weaned at an early stage regardless of the weaning diet adopted. Current knowledge on protein, fibre and fibrous fractions, starch and fat supply appears sufficient for the formulation of starter diets for early weaned rabbit. However, the complete comprehension of digestive physiology development in this condition and its relationship with digestive efficiency and health requires further investigation.