This study evaluates the effect of parity order, litter size and lactation system on reproductive and lactation performance of rabbit does and growth and mortality of kits until weaning. A total of 72 pregnant does (Hycole crossbred; 36 nulliparous and 36 primiparous) were assigned to eight experimental groups in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: parity order (1st vs. 2nd parity, P vs. S), litter size (standardized at 10 vs. 11 kits), and lactation system (free vs. controlled). The S rabbits showed higher prolificacy than P ones (kits born alive +24,7%; P<0.01), as well as greater litter weights at kindling (+28%; P<0.001). The S rabbits were heavier than P ones at kindling (P<0.10) and at weaning (33 d) (+8%; P<0.001) and showed higher feed intake (P<0.001), but a lower Body Condition Score (BCS) (P<0.001). Kits from S does were heavier at standardization (+12%; P<0.01) and at 33 d of age (+14%; P<0.001), with lower mortality (P<0.01) compared to kits from P does. Litter size did not affect doe performance and BCS but reduced individual kit weight at weaning (−4%; P=0.058), with lower values in litters of 11 compared to 10 kits, as well as lower milk intake per kit (−13%; P<0.01). Lactation system did not affect does BCS, kit performance or mortality. In conclusion, parity order was the main factor affecting doe and kit performance, with secundiparous does outperforming primiparous ones. Litter size influenced only individual kit growth and milk intake, while lactation system did not affect does and kit performance. Litter standardization at 10 kits for primiparous and 11 kits for secundiparous does is recommended.
Efecto del tamaño de la camada y la técnica de lactancia sobre el rendimiento de conejas al primer y segundo parto
Molin M.
;Bordignon F.;Tolini C.;Pravato M.;Trocino A.;Xiccato G.
2026
Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of parity order, litter size and lactation system on reproductive and lactation performance of rabbit does and growth and mortality of kits until weaning. A total of 72 pregnant does (Hycole crossbred; 36 nulliparous and 36 primiparous) were assigned to eight experimental groups in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: parity order (1st vs. 2nd parity, P vs. S), litter size (standardized at 10 vs. 11 kits), and lactation system (free vs. controlled). The S rabbits showed higher prolificacy than P ones (kits born alive +24,7%; P<0.01), as well as greater litter weights at kindling (+28%; P<0.001). The S rabbits were heavier than P ones at kindling (P<0.10) and at weaning (33 d) (+8%; P<0.001) and showed higher feed intake (P<0.001), but a lower Body Condition Score (BCS) (P<0.001). Kits from S does were heavier at standardization (+12%; P<0.01) and at 33 d of age (+14%; P<0.001), with lower mortality (P<0.01) compared to kits from P does. Litter size did not affect doe performance and BCS but reduced individual kit weight at weaning (−4%; P=0.058), with lower values in litters of 11 compared to 10 kits, as well as lower milk intake per kit (−13%; P<0.01). Lactation system did not affect does BCS, kit performance or mortality. In conclusion, parity order was the main factor affecting doe and kit performance, with secundiparous does outperforming primiparous ones. Litter size influenced only individual kit growth and milk intake, while lactation system did not affect does and kit performance. Litter standardization at 10 kits for primiparous and 11 kits for secundiparous does is recommended.
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