CHAPTER 2 - Colony Husbandry

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of colony husbandry. The husbandry of rabbits covers many areas. It can be as simple as providing a prescribed amount of commercial rabbit feed to an antibody-producing rabbit in a cage with automatic watering, to as complex a situation as managing a breeding colony providing offspring for biomedical research or the meat packing industry. Rabbits should be housed so as to be protected from the extremes of environment and all cages and feed equipment should be of metal construction to facilitate sanitation. Water systems should be of the dewdrop type, and a sanitation program which is capable of reducing pathogens and vermin should be used. Cages should be fabricated of a smooth, corrosion-resistant material that is impervious to liquids and moisture, and easily sanitized or sterilized. Lights should be of a type and in a location that simplifies cleaning. Lighting fixtures, switches, and convenience outlets should be designed and constructed so that they will not afford shelter for rodents and vermin. Rabbits used for experimental purposes should be purchased from a reputable vendor, properly licensed to do business with research facilities. Rabbits can be ordered at many different ages and in various weight ranges from day-old rabbits to adult males and females. Timed pregnant rabbits are readily available. On arrival from the vendor, rabbits should be carefully examined for defects or signs of illness. The primary objective of a breeding colony is the production of the offspring.