How to Select Rabbits for Breeding?

Selecting the right potential breeding rabbits is extremely important for the direction of your breeding program, whether the goal is meat production or exhibition purposes. Given the possible mistakes that can occur during selection, particular attention should be paid to the following aspects.

The Purpose of the Rabbit and the Breeding Program

If the aim of breeding is meat production for personal consumption, success is mainly influenced by choosing the optimal breed, and crossbreeding is used almost exclusively. Breeds suitable “for meat” include, for example, medium-sized breeds such as: Burgundy, Californian, New Zealand Red, Large Havana, Large Siamese, Large Light Silver, and Giant Chinchilla.
The benefit of such mating is the so-called heterosis effect in the F1 generation of offspring – these animals show better production and possibly reproductive performance, improved health, greater resistance, etc., compared to purebred populations.
When purchasing a breeding animal for exhibition breeding, the selection is governed by specific criteria with regard to conformation requirements. For show rabbits, the highest possible uniformity of appearance is essential.

Proper Sexual Expression

“A buck should look like a buck, and a doe should look like a doe” – this is a simplified way to describe it. The buck is always somewhat more robust and pronounced in type, while the doe should have an overall finer appearance.
Bucks with weak (feminine) sexual expression often have poorer reproductive performance and may sometimes suffer from hormonal dysfunction. On the other hand, does with a strongly masculine type (especially in the head) often experience greater problems with conception, lactation, or caring for their young.

Well-Developed External Reproductive Organs

In the buck, this includes the penis and two testicles in separate scrotal sacs. The penis should be fully closed around its circumference, with a slightly slit-shaped urethral opening at the tip. A defect may include, for example, a split penis, where the penile wall does not close properly – such a buck has significantly reduced fertility or may be infertile.
There may also be underdevelopment of one or both scrotal sacs and failure of one or both testicles to descend, which significantly contributes to infertility. In does, vulvar deformities leading to reduced reproductive performance are rare.

Health and Condition

This is a crucial aspect. At the time of purchase, the animal should have bright, clear eyes, regular movement, and a tendency to explore its surroundings or new objects nearby. There should be no visible discharge or signs of inflammation from natural body openings. The rabbit should be well and evenly muscled, without signs of emaciation.

Character and Temperament

The animal should appear lively and spirited. Except for short-term housing at exhibitions or similar events where many animals are present, rabbits should display a calm temperament, without unjustified attempts to injure humans.
However, attention should be paid to individuals that may be aggressive and scratch or even bite their owner. Highly aggressive rabbits should not be included in breeding, as temperament is strongly hereditary. In does, behavior is significantly influenced by hormonal status (pregnancy, lactation, heat, etc.).

No Close Relationship Within the Breeding Stock

A general rule is to purchase and mate unrelated animals in order to avoid inbreeding. In organized breeding systems, an exception worthy of special consideration may be granted by the relevant breeding authority.

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