Burgundy rabbits are representatives of a meat breed with high fecundity. Animals are suitable for breeding, often becoming pets. The rabbits have tasty meat and valuable skin. In Russia, breeding of Burgundy rabbits is well established.
Burgundy rabbits are growing fast
Adult rabbits weigh more than 3 kg
Burgundy rabbit
In the litter of Burgundy rabbits, there may be 5-6 rabbits
Breed history
The first rabbits were bred in France at the beginning of the twentieth century. The region of Burgundy is considered the historical homeland, hence the name. Burgundy rabbits are the result of a cross between the California and New Zealand red breeds.
Thanks to delicious meat and high fecundity, animals have become popular throughout Europe. They are massively grown in the United States, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland. In the CIS, “Burgundians” appeared only in the 90s, and instantly became in demand among domestic rabbit breeders. To date, the species is more common in central Russia.
Characteristics and Standards of the Burgundy Rabbit
Rabbits are healthy, active and hardy, acclimatize well, but do not tolerate low temperatures. Animals grow quickly and by the age of 4 months reach their final weight.
An adult male weighs more than 3 kg, a female - up to 4.5 kg. Thanks to the well-developed muscles of the lower part of the body and limbs, Burgundians jump high, often use their paws for protection.
Appearance and features
The animals have a wide head and nose, cheeks are thick, a massive forehead. The neck is short, there is no visible transition to the body. The eyes are brown, wide, but not bulging. Ears 11-13 cm long, vertical, covered with a short pile.
The front legs are shortened, the hind legs are massive, jerky. Nails correspond to the color of the skin or 1-2 tones darker. Rabbits have a tough undercoat that helps them quickly acclimatize to harsh climates. The skin is reddish-red with a scarlet tint, is the hallmark of the breed.
The fur is short, but dense, highly regarded in the market. The color of the rabbits is evenly distributed - from head to tail. A light shade or the presence of spots reduces its cost, raises doubts about the thoroughbredness of the breed.
Externally, the male and female are different. In physique, it is larger, but the body is elongated, and the head is small. The male looks more massive, he has a wide chest and head, a more impressive appearance.
Species
If you want to buy a thoroughbred burgundy, pay attention to such signs (standards) of the breed:
- the body is dense;
- the muscles are strong;
- color - brown with a red tint;
- eye color - from bronze to dark chestnut;
- the fur is thick and rough, but elastic;
- round, large croup;
- elongated muzzle;
- the ears are rounded at the ends, resemble spoons.
The individuality of the rabbits gives red fur, which shimmers in the sun. Vices are long, hanging ears, body weight less than 3.5 kg, spots on the body.
Defective animals do not participate in exhibitions, are not suitable for breeding.
Value
This breed is loved by many rabbit breeders, due to its high meat productivity and valuable fur. Dietary meat. By the age of 4 months, females become sexually mature and bring up to 10-12 cubs, breed 6-8 times a year. Natural skins are for sale. With small sizes and easy sewing, there is always an increased demand for them.
Meat
Burgundy rabbits have tender, dietary and very healthy meat. In 100 g of fresh product is only 85 kcal. In addition, rabbit meat contains easily digestible proteins and valuable trace elements, and is characterized by a low cholesterol content. It can be used on a diet and for a number of chronic diseases.
With the correct and high-quality fattening of Burgundy rabbits from 1 carcass, up to 60% of tasty meat is obtained (clean yield). Despite the fact that animals live up to 10 years, in terms of profit it is better to slaughter them at the age of 4 months. During this period they reach their maximum weight.
Wool
Rabbits have a short, dense coat. It is highly valued for its color and quality. Rabbit products can be described as warm, durable. Skins of small sizes, but in the clothing industry are in high demand.
A short pile does not require the cost of a haircut, and the original color helps create exclusive wardrobe items. The fur is easily sewn, does not get enough sleep. It makes magnificent hats, fur coats, vests, and other fur products for sale.
Maintenance and care
Burgundy rabbits live in cages. They do not complain about a small space, but they do not tolerate drafts, dampness, and scorching sunlight. Under adverse conditions, the animal first becomes lethargic and passive, and soon dies.
For high fertility, rabbits should feel comfortable. In a state of severe stress, they often get sick, and their life expectancy is reduced.
The cells should be clean and always fresh water, and cover the bare grate at the bottom with a rug, regularly disinfect feeders and drinking bowls. Change hay daily, control its quality and composition.
If the Burgundy rabbit was bought not for breeding, but as a pet, arrange regular walks around the apartment. Before that, make sure that the wires are securely hidden, contact with furniture is limited. Otherwise, the animal will begin to grind its teeth and spoil it.
What cells are needed?
The animal is unpretentious in care, it does not require a lot of space. The optimal cell size is 80x60x60 cm with metal rods. Prerequisite: under the paws of a rabbit there should not be a bare lattice. If you cannot make a wooden floor, cover the base with a warm rug.
Put the cage in a bright place. Make sure that the animal is not exposed to the scorching sun. On the eve of the summer heat, install additional awnings to protect the animal from heat stroke and death. Ventilate the room regularly - with stale air, rabbits are sluggish, eat poorly.
The optimum temperature regime varies from 10 to 20 degrees, the humidity indicator is not more than 55%. Under comfortable living conditions, rabbits do not get sick, and the female brings offspring every 1-2 months.
Cell care
Proper cell care minimizes the risk of rabbit disease. Every day, clean the house of the animal, control the dryness of the rug under the paws. Remove old hay and compound feed, apply a fresh portion.
The animal needs clean water. There are cases when the rabbit, while thirsty, ate her own offspring. Clean the drinking bowl from mold and plaque, disinfect it with boiling water, and pre-defend the water.
Nutrition
Like other rabbit breeds, Burgundians eat juicy hay in the winter and fresh grass in the summer. The ratio of roughage and feed - 80% to 20%. To avoid health problems and strengthen the animal's immunity, enter vitamins and minerals into the daily diet. The rabbit can receive them from specialized feeds or fresh vegetables and fruits.
Include in the rabbit's menu protein-rich legumes and crops, healthy root crops (carrots, boiled potatoes), cabbage, corn, and juicy grass. As a prophylaxis, use fruit tree branches and coniferous bark.
Birch bark with tar in the composition disrupts the proper digestion of the Burgundy rabbit.
In winter, the rabbit does not have enough vitamin A. From the symptoms of vitamin deficiency, mix fish oil, soluble vitamin A. If phosphorus and calcium are deficient, include chalk in the daily diet, add bone or meat and bone meal.
About how, when and how to feed rabbits, read in the next article.
Diet
For normal digestion of the rabbit, carefully think over the daily menu, strictly observe the diet and the sequence of supply of food ingredients:
- Breakfast: half daily rate of concentrate, dry hay.
- Lunch: succulent feed, vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Dinner: roughage, the rest of the concentrates.
When introducing a new ingredient into the diet, start with a small portion. Gradually increase it over 7 days, while observing the behavior, stool and appetite of the rabbit. Do not overfeed the animal, otherwise it may die from obesity.
Breeding
Females of the Burgundian breed are dairy, multiple. They reach maturity by 5-6 months. Males are ready for mating from the age of 8 months. The gestation period lasts 27-30 days, in the litter there are 5-6 rabbits. There are cases when 10-12 pieces were born immediately.
The rabbit’s estrus lasts 5 days and occurs every month. Do not rush to happen to a young female, otherwise the offspring will be weak or even die. The optimal age for future parents is 8 months. For the first time, a rabbit is selected by an experienced male.
Mating takes place in the male’s cage, from where extra items are removed in advance. If the female is in the hunt, mating occurs quickly. After the male lays on its side and growls. After 5 days, control mating will take place. If the rabbit is in position, then he will not allow the male to come to him.
Baby Care
For a year, the female can become pregnant up to 8 times without harm to health. Rabbits are born bald, naked, blind and very small. Eyes open only on days 14-17, after which the activity of rabbits increases. They feed on breast milk, from 1 month try dry hay.
A week before the next birthing, put the babies in a separate cage so that they do not crush the pregnant rabbit and provoke a premature birth. The cage should be dry, clean and spacious. Feed the young rabbits grown 4-5 times a day, but at least every 8-10 hours.
At the age of three months, plant rabbits in different cages. Males live one at a time, and females - in the amount of 3-4 pieces. Prerequisite: the animals should be comfortable. Choose spacious cages, in case of extreme heat, use additional cloaks, provide high-quality ventilation of the room.
In the fourth month, the males are killed, because they still will not grow anymore. Spring females are suitable for one-time replenishment of the herd. Young animals born in winter or autumn have a hard undercoat. They develop better than rabbits that appeared in the summer.
Possible diseases
If you change the color of feces and urine, lethargy of the animal, immediately consult a veterinarian. Burgundy rabbits have strong immunity, but also get sick. Especially dangerous are disorders of the digestive tract, because the animal can die at a young age.
An alarming symptom is a high fever and increased heart rate up to 120-145 beats per minute. Drafts are especially dangerous for respiratory organs. Respiratory diseases are among the most common diagnoses.
Possible diseases of Burgundy rabbits:
- Coccidosis The disease is caused by parasites, affects the digestive tract, is fraught with death.
- Cysticercosis. Parasites destroy liver cells, cause peritonitis and death of the animal.
- Pasteurellosis. The rabbit has respiratory failure, high fever, and after 3 days he dies. The infection is dangerous, it infects the entire herd.
- Myxomatosis. Nodules appear on the body of the mucosa, which eventually merge into one extensive swelling of the skin. The animal takes on an ugly appearance, dies after 7 days.
- White muscle disease. Against the background of a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium, the metabolism is disturbed in the pet's body. Need diet correction, drug treatment.
- Prognathism. Bulging of the lower jaw, which is a congenital defect and is not treated.
- Glaucoma. The main symptom of the pathology is a protrusion of the eyes against a background of increased intraocular pressure. The treatment is complex.
- Poisoning. The rabbit reveals severe vomiting and diarrhea, and salivation increases. A sick animal is soldered with water, treated with rice broth or adsorbents. With a timely response to the first symptoms of intoxication, the prognosis is favorable.
Parasites and food poisoning are dangerous for rabbits. In both cases, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian. Not only one animal can suffer, but the whole herd.
Disease prevention
The health of rabbits depends on the purity of the cage, proper nutrition and daily care. To avoid exacerbations and preserve the whole herd, regularly follow basic preventive measures:
- Change the straw in the cage daily so that ticks do not wound.
- Check the hay for mold (this is one of the causes of poisoning).
- Disinfect drinkers and feeders to prevent bacteria from multiplying.
- Feed your animals only fresh food and water, do not experiment with food ingredients.
- Disinfect the crib regularly (the place where the rabbits live).
- 2-3 times a week inspect the fur and ears of rabbits for parasites.
- Routinely take preventive vaccinations according to your schedule.
- At the first symptoms of the disease, consult your veterinarian.
The first vaccine against HBV and myxomatosis is given to a rabbit at the age of 1.5 months. Acquired immunity lasts for 6-9 months, after which a planned revaccination is carried out. To date, combined vaccines have been developed that protect the rabbit's body from several deadly diseases at once. Isolate a sick animal immediately; consult your veterinarian.
Features of choosing a rabbit
When choosing a Burgundian, decide for what purpose it is needed. For mass breeding, buy purebred representatives of the breed, although they cost more.
Other selection criteria, regardless of the breeder’s future plans:
- The fur is uniform throughout the body, the same color without sudden changes.
- The rabbit is well-groomed, pretty, calm.
- The color of the animal is saturated, shimmers in the sun.
- The skin is elastic, fur - not more than 3 mm in length.
- Purebred rabbits from the breeding farm have a stigma.
- The skin is clean, without inflammation, eyes are shiny.
- The presence of warlocks and bald patches are symptoms of diseases.
- Thoroughbred individuals are much more expensive than mestizos.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Burgundy rabbits are in demand among rabbit breeders from different countries, therefore they do not need a special introduction. The advantages of this choice are obvious:
- high fecundity;
- unpretentiousness in food;
- large meat yield;
- universal purpose;
- valuable hide;
- stable immunity;
- perfect health.
Burgundy rabbits do not have significant shortcomings.
The only negative is the lack of information on the adaptation of animals in certain regions of Russia. Purebred individuals are expensive, sensitive to the scorching sun, dampness and drafts.
Reviews
Victor, 62 years old, farmer, Volgograd. I have been breeding a Burgundian breed for more than 10 years, very pleased. Firstly, the rabbits are very beautiful. Secondly, unpretentious in food. Most importantly, while maintaining the cleanliness of the shed, they do not get sick. I keep rabbits for 4 months. Then I hammer. The meat and the skin are for sale, there are no downtime with suppliers. Profitable occupation, in recent years (after retirement) has become the main source of income for my family.
Olga, 53 years old, agriculture, Samara. The rabbits have tasty, tender meat. With proper feeding and timely slaughter, a good yield is obtained. In winter, I feed animals with hay and feed, in the summer I lean more on dried grass. I do not overexpose animals, I slaughter in 5-6 months. There are several especially prolific females that produce up to 7 times a year.I gave one rabbit to my grandson - he became a pet.
Oleg, 45 years old, entrepreneur, Saratov. In our apartment, a Burgundian lives not for breeding, but for the soul. Kind, flexible, calm, like a kitten. When they just bought it, they were very worried that they were snacking on the whole family. That did not happen. The rabbit eats without fear, goes to the toilet only in its cage, wallpaper and wiring does not eat. He has been living for the third year, we really hope that he will turn out to be a long-liver.
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Burgundy rabbits are attracted by their good-natured appearance, calm and sociable character, quick wit. Breeders are more interested in high fertility, meat productivity and ease of care.