母兔妊娠诊断方法：摸胎法与B超检查对比研究

Timely and accurate pregnancy diagnosis is the foundation of rabbit farm reproductive management. Early confirmation of pregnancy enables rational arrangement of feeding management, timely re-mating of open does, and avoiding waste of feed and cage space.

Palpation is the most practical and convenient pregnancy diagnosis method in rabbit production. Perform at 10-14 days post-mating when embryos are about the size of fava beans. Hold the doe by neck skin and ears with the left hand, use the right hand gently palpating the abdomen. Pregnant does reveal rows of small elastic spheres. Differentiate from fecal pellets: embryos are smooth and elastic, while fecal pellets are hard and rough.

Palpation accuracy depends heavily on operator experience. Skilled technicians achieve about 70-80% accuracy at day 10, over 90% at day 12, and near 100% at day 14. Beginners should start from day 14 and first palpate unbred does to understand normal abdominal feel as control.

Ultrasound can diagnose pregnancy as early as 8-9 days post-mating with over 95% accuracy. Use a 5-7.5 MHz probe on the lower abdomen to visualize round anechoic gestational sac structures. Ultrasound also assesses fetal viability and count, but equipment investment is higher, suitable for large-scale breeding farms.

Adjust feeding management after pregnancy diagnosis. Gradually increase feed for confirmed pregnant does, with late pregnancy intake 30-50% above maintenance. Analyze causes for open does and arrange re-mating; consider culling does failing to conceive after 3 consecutive breeding attempts.