I agree with Roger, It all depends on the doe and her condition. Some does thrive being bred back to back, some don't.
We had a REW Mini Rex doe that used to get severely depressed after every litter. We had to keep her bred 3 times a year. (And she lived to the wonderful old age of 9, living out her last years bonded with one of her daughters.) Most of our Mini Rex do fine with 1-2 litters a year.
Regardingmy Giants, I never breed a doe more than twice a year. (usually only once a year)The main reason being I leave babies with their mom for 10 weeks. (Yes, they'll still nurse9-10 weeks... if momma will let them.) Then the doegets at least 10 - 12 weeks to recoup. I weigh them and won't breed them again until they are up to their best weight. If all is well, they will get bred again (assuming the weather is goodandI have room for the babies.)
But I am not breeding for "production". Theintense breed backyou are refering to is done mostly by the "meat" industry, with specific breeds, developed and bred to tolerate this level of reproduction. They breed the doe 2 weeks after kindling, while she is still nursing a litter. The litter is weaned at4 weeks, she has 2 weeks "off" and kindles again. I don't know any show breeders that follow that kind of schedule. (Keep in mind that none of those babies are expected to "grow up". They are not concerned about bone density or type, GI stasis or anything else.)
I have heard that some "rabbit mill" breeders, thatsupply the pet store trade, also follow the "immediate breed back" schedule. But we all know about what that produces... we see it every day in pet stores and markets across the world. :nonono:
JMHO and what works for me.
Edited to add: Thereis a booktitled Rabbit Production that has excellent information about Breedingfrequency and production... authors: McNitt/Patton/Lukefahr/Cheeke
Inspite of what the book refers to, some of the most comprehensive and scientific data we have comes from Rabbit meat producers. They have a financial stake in producing the most rabbits, most efficiently, healthy and with the fewest complications.