In rabbit farming, many breeders still rely solely on natural light, which is not effectively utilized. The shortening of daylight doesn't actually reduce the length of the day, and extending it doesn't truly prolong it—this lack of control has a negative impact on improving the productivity and fur quality of Rex rabbits. To optimize the overall performance of Rex rabbits, it's essential to manage lighting scientifically. For reproduction, longer and stronger light is needed, while for commercial rabbits, shorter and weaker light is more appropriate. Below, I share my insights on how to use light effectively in rabbit farming.
First, female rabbits need longer and brighter light for better breeding results. At 20–24°C, under complete darkness, with just 1 watt per square meter of light for 2 hours, females may show some fertility, but the conception rate is very low—only around 30% for one mating. When the light intensity increases to 5 watts per square meter and is maintained for 12 hours, the fertility rate can rise to 50%. With 16 hours of light at the same intensity, the fertility rate can reach 65–70%, and the survival rate of kits also improves significantly. According to research from the French National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, providing 14–16 hours of light daily with at least 4 watts per square meter helps female rabbits maintain normal estrus, pregnancy, and birthing cycles.
Second, male rabbits benefit from shorter and dimmer light. They typically perform best with 12–14 hours of light per day. If exposed to more than 16 hours of continuous light, they may experience weight loss, reduced sperm count, and lower breeding efficiency, which can even lead to infertility.
Third, commercial rabbits require weak light conditions. Continuous darkness can delay sexual maturity in young rabbits by affecting their reproductive system development. This happens through the pineal gland, which is regulated by light exposure. Light stimulates the retina, which then controls the pineal gland’s activity. This process affects melatonin production, which in turn influences gonadotropin release. Prolonged light reduces melatonin, leading to earlier sexual maturation. However, excessive light can also increase hyperactivity, reducing feed intake and growth. Therefore, commercial rabbits thrive under weak light conditions that support healthy fur quality and growth.
In practice, rabbits raised outdoors often have thick, dull coats due to prolonged exposure to strong light, while indoor rabbits tend to have soft, shiny fur. This suggests that strong light is not ideal for fur development. Hence, commercial rabbits should be kept under weak light to enhance fur quality and ensure better market value. By understanding and applying proper lighting strategies, rabbit farmers can significantly improve both productivity and product quality.
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