TCRabbitry wrote:
That is crazy.... Why put out all the money to do that when you could buy a buck for less?
Actually, it doesn't seem all that expensive. I'm currently researching other things at the moment-coop heating and cages for my buns-but I'm pretty sure the cooling and freezing process isn't all that difficult either.
Look at it this way, lets pretend you breed Netherland Dwarfs. Theres an amazing buck up for stud in California, paired with your doe, you absolutely know that he'll produce kits so close to the Standard of Perfection it's not even funny. Only problem, you live in Virgina. Are you really going to drive ALL the way to CA for one amazing litter? Wouldn't it make more sense for the buck just to 'come to you'?
lelanatty wrote:
"average rabbitry over using drugs to induce ovulation"
This is what I don't understand about it. I have never heard of anyone using any kind of drug to induce ovulation in a doe. The way we "induce ovulation" is by putting a doe with a buck, letting him breed, and then bringing her back several hours later to breed again. Rabbits are induced ovulators by nature. The act of mating causes an egg to be realeased so that the next time they mate, the egg will be fertilized.
Actually, there are drugs out there (for rabbits) to induce ovulation. I just got through reading an article on how they collect from the buck, and they used the drug method over the vasectomized method. I had 'well, obviously for your average rabbitry the drug method would be obsolete...' running through my head when I typed up my post.
T.A Bunnies wrote:
I agree, why would you go into all that expense when you can buy a buck for a whole lot cheaper.
But you also run the risk that the buck will die, become sick, won't breed, or is even sterile. You could spend $500 on the bestest, greatest, most awesome buck ever and the second you bring him home he could all of a sudden contract severe snuffles and will never be able to breed.
Plus, studies have shown an increased fertilization rate with AI over 'natures way'.
mewlingcricket wrote:
Well, I agree with the cost being a crazy expense, but money aside, I think it would be too clinical. I would feel like my rabbits were lab rats, instead of the loved show/brood stock that they are.
I'm not talking about for your OWN rabbits
That would be nuts, if you HAVE the buck and the doe, put them together!
What I mean if you'd like kits from an inaccessible buck. OR say a buck that would otherwise not be available to outside breedings due to the illnesses he could possibly contract. With AI, theres no need to worry, the doe never comes in contact with the buck and vice versa.
TCRabbitry wrote:
It is also too stressful for the rabbits. It's different when you're talking cattle, sheep, goats, dogs or cats... Those animals are a lot more hardy than rabbits are.
Cattle, sheep, goats, dogs and cats aren't quite as readily available or as inexpensive to get a nice male in either... so, it makes sense.
In rabbits, it's just insane
It's no more stressful then removing a buck or a doe from his or her cage and breeding them. The buck will honestly not know the difference to a live doe, or an artificial collection device. It's the same 'happy ending', if you will.
Same for the doe, the vasectomized buck induces her to ovulate (no more stressful then being bred by an 'intact' buck). But instead of passing on his genes, she'll be impregnated by a completely different rabbit. Again, the process would be no more stressful than trancing her out and clipping her nails. Or, checking her genitalia for signs of receptiveness.
Oh My Darlin Rabbitry wrote:
I dont think it would be a bad idea especially with sudden deaths that happen. If I lost a nice buck that I wated to have kis out of and hadn't had the chance to breed him or found a doe after he died that he would hav been perfect wth wouldn't it be great to have his semen. With AI already being around for small animals I do not think that it would cost that much and if so It will eventally cost less than a buck would cost. But isn't that the piont, to have the best you must pay for it, the cost shouldn't matter when it comes to bettering your herd. Yes they could get stressed but would it realy be much worse than the stess when breeding. when you look at AI it is no different than a breeding the only dif is there is no buck. As for the teaser buck idea I think its great thats like using a teaser stud in horses. A teaer stud brings the mare into heat and a teaser buck would induce her ovulation. Cattle, dgs, cats, horses, etc may seem more hardy but have you worked with them,they are not as hardy as you think. they can bloat or get sick and die quite easily. And nice show/breeding stock are very hard to replace. rabbits as well I think anyway. the lines of a buck, the coloring, the pattern, the personality, the wins, they can't be replaced so why wouln't you want the semen on hand. yes semen tank cost but that really is going to be your bigest investment. Thats MO anyway I am going to go look it up cause this has been in my mind for a while now.
Crystal
Agree'd. :biggrin2:
