The selection of breeding buck and doe is very much important aspect of breeding since good progeny is expected from good buck and doe. One has to consider the breeding stock in terms of fertility, maternal instinct, milk yield, growth rate, fecundity and viability.
Buck
The male rabbit is known as buck. A buck develops its breeding capabilities at the age of 8 months.
An ideal buck should continue to maintain its reproductive ability at least for 2 to 3 years.
A young buck may be allowed to mate one doe at an interval of 3 to 4 days. But, from 12 months of age onwards it may mate 4-6 does in 7 days.
A buck beyond 6 years of age should be culled since semen quality declines. In order to keep the buck healthy additional protein, vitamin and minerals are to be supplemented in diet.
Two breeding bucks should not be kept in same place as they will fight each other and cause injury.
Doe
The female rabbit is known as doe. A doe should have the perfectability to reproduce.
A doe becomes capable to reproduce based on breed,nutritional status and seasons. The smaller breeds attain sexual maturity earlier than larger breeds.
A small breed may accept mating at 3-4 months of age whereas the larger breed may accept mating at 8-9 months of age.
A doe can be used for breeding up to the age of 3 years and culling should be made afterwards.
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