Some Postpartum Characteristics of Rabbit Doe

The aim of the study was to know the effects of postpartum re-mating intervals on reproductive performances of does and growth of kits. Nine female New Zealand White cross-bred rabbits were divided into three groups of equal numbers. Does were re-mated within 24 hours of parturition, 10 days of postpartum and after weaning (28 days) intervals. The highest conception rate was 82% in does mated 10 days of postpartum interval which was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other two groups. There were no significant effects on parturition interval, gestation length, stillbirth litter size, litter size, litter weight at birth, kit mortality and does weight at mating, kindling and weaning among the postpartum re-mating intervals groups. Litter weight at weaning periods in the 2nd parturition was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 10 days of postpartum re-mating than other groups. Growth rate of kits of does significantly (p<0.05) differed at 2nd parturition among the three re-mating interval groups. Higher growth rate was observed in 10 days of postpartum group.