Autumn is a favorable season for raising rabbits, as the weather is mild, feed is abundant, and nutrition is sufficient. However, during this period, special attention should be given to climate changes and the management of rabbits during their fur-shedding phase, according to Zhao Lingyan, president of the Dingbian County Rabbit Industry Association in Shaanxi Province, who shared these insights during an interview at the 2009 Shaanxi Rabbit Industry Forum.
Zhao Lingyan, a health and disease prevention officer, warned that the significant temperature difference between day and night in autumn can lead to common illnesses such as colds, pneumonia, and enteritis in rabbits, especially young ones, which can even result in death in severe cases. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid keeping rabbits outdoors during stormy or cooling weather. In terms of feeding, antibiotics like furazolidone can be used to prevent intestinal diseases, and feeds with higher protein content are recommended. It's important not to feed dewy grass or green fodder that hasn't dried after rain, as it may cause digestive issues.
With recent persistent rainy weather, some rabbit houses with poor facilities have become damp, creating a favorable environment for microorganisms to thrive. This increases the risk of parasitic diseases like coccidiosis and rabbit lice, as well as digestive tract problems. Maintaining dry conditions in the rabbit house is therefore crucial during this time.
Hao Minzhi, a member of the Rabbit Industry Branch of the China Animal Husbandry Association, emphasized the importance of cleanliness and disinfection at the 2009 forum. He advised that rabbit cages should be arranged in a scientific and reasonable manner, ensuring good ventilation and insulation. Regular cleaning and washing of the rabbit house are necessary to maintain fresh air. Additionally, rabbit beds, cages, and feeding equipment should be maintained regularly, and water tanks and drinking fountains must be sterilized.
Due to the recent drop in temperatures, although rabbits can tolerate cold, they are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and drafts. Exposure to cold can lead to serious illnesses such as colds, rhinitis, pneumonia, and arthritis. To protect them, proper heating and insulation in the rabbit house should be ensured, and measures should be taken to prevent drafts, maintaining a stable temperature for optimal growth and development.
Autumn is also a great time for rabbits to gain weight, as they tend to eat more at night. Rabbits usually sleep after eating enough during the day but are active at night, consuming large amounts of food quickly. Therefore, it's recommended to provide additional grass feed at night, ideally once at 9 p.m. and again at 2 a.m.
As the leaves on forage grass begin to fall, it's essential to collect and store the forage in a timely manner. Delaying harvest can lead to aging of stems and leaves, increasing crude fiber content and reducing digestible nutrients, thus affecting feed quality. Proper storage of crop straw, root tubers, and other feed sources is also vital to ensure a steady supply throughout the season.
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