Induced reactions in young rabbits of dams of different parity and reared on two different nursing schedules

The purpose of this study was to see whether or not there are differences in growth and behaviour of New Zealand White young rabbits born to primiparous or multiparous does or reared under free or controlled nursing schedules.. A total of 143 young rabbits from 20 litters were divided into three groups: 1. (a) 59 from 6 litters of primiparous does nursing freely; 2. (b) 47 from 8 litters of para 2 or 3 does nursing freely; 3. (c) 37 from 6 litters of para 2 or 3 does with controlled nursing Body weights and reactions in the open-field test were determined on Days 5, 10 and 15 of life. The results indicate differences in behaviour according to the parity and to both behaviour and growth in relation to nursing schedules. Also the litter influences all the parameters considered.